Explainer: Luqman Long under MCMC probe over video on Azam Baki

SHAH ALAM: Malaysia’s communications regulator, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has opened an investigation into former Muda information chief Luqman Long over a social media video posted about a week ago.

MCMC said the probe is being carried out under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, over alleged false content involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Authorities confirmed that Luqman’s statement has been recorded and a device used to upload the video has been seized. If convicted, the offence carries a maximum penalty of RM500,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both.

What Luqman said in the video

The video, uploaded seven days ago was a political commentary discussing corruption, power and accountability in Malaysia. In the video, Luqman shared about the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal and the figure known as “MO1”, widely linked to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“We once had MO1, a mysterious figure behind the 1MDB scandal that shook the world. We thought the era of untouchable individuals above the law had ended once MO1 was imprisoned," he said.

He then introduced a new term, Anti-Corruption Official 1 (ARO1) to refer to Azam Baki.

“But what if I told you that now there is ARO1? He is not a politician. He has never contested in an election. He is merely a civil servant," he added.

In the video, Luqman outlined Azam Baki’s long career in public service, noting that he has served for more than four decades since joining the anti-corruption agency in the 1980s.

He described Azam as rising through the ranks of what is now the MACC before being appointed chief commissioner in 2020 under then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and later continuing under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“He has been in the system for over 42 years,” Luqman said.

References to past controversies

A major portion of the video revisited previous controversies involving Azam, particularly the 2022 shareholding issue that drew widespread public attention.

“His explanation, which became a nationwide joke, was that his brother used his account,” Luqman said.

He also refered to renewed scrutiny from international reporting, including by Bloomberg, which reported on alleged share ownership in listed companies.

Luqman suggested that these issues reflect a deeper pattern of unanswered questions surrounding accountability.

Claims about power and influence

The video then moved into broader allegations about how power operates within institutions.

Luqman suggested that enforcement powers may be used beyond their intended purpose, referring to what he calls a corporate mafia environment, although he does not present new evidence to support the claim.

He also argued that political positions on Azam Baki have shifted depending on whether parties are in government or opposition.

“When Pakatan Harapan came into power, the promise to arrest Azam Baki vanished into thin air. Not only was he not imprisoned, but his contract was extended three times," he said.

Beyond individuals, Luqman argued the issue lies in how the MACC is structured. He pointed out that the MACC chief is appointed on the advice of the prime minister and not through Parliament, which he said raises questions about independence.

“As long as the MACC reports directly to the Prime Minister’s Department instead of an independent Parliament, it will remain a tool rather than a protector,” he claimed.

The investigation has drawn criticism from Muda president Amira Aisya, who questioned why the video was flagged by MCMC as misleading and false.

“I watched it from start to finish. Everything stated in the video are facts that have already been shared publicly. Where is the false information?” she said.

She also raised concerns about whether the investigation could discourage public discussion on governance and accountability issues.