KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 24): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has urged individuals with credible information on corruption or misconduct to come forward, as it firmly denied the existence of a so-called “corporate mafia” allegedly linked to the commission.

Describing as baseless the claim that there is a "corporate mafia" backed by the agency, MACC said it is believed to have stemmed from an unverified online blog with "no identifiable owner, author, or clear accountability".

"MACC completely rejects these unfounded allegations. The commission views the dissemination of such false accusations with utmost seriousness, particularly when they may undermine public confidence in lawful enforcement actions," the agency said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 24).

"MACC therefore urges any individual who possesses credible information or evidence relating to corruption or misconduct to lodge an official report with the relevant authorities," the commission added, stressing that information should be channelled through lawful avenues rather than “trial by media”.

The allegations surfaced following a Bloomberg report titled Who’s Watching Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Watchdog? earlier this month, which highlighted claims that a group of businessmen had colluded with senior MACC officials to influence takeovers of Bursa Malaysia-listed companies.

The article alleged that the purported group had used intimidation — including pressure on executives and shareholders to resign or sell their stakes at steep discounts — to facilitate the takeover schemes. MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has previously denied the allegations.

MACC said the allegations were aimed at undermining its investigative and enforcement efforts in the corporate sector, particularly involving parties facing ongoing legal proceedings.

“MACC also considers this to be a baseless recycled issue that has been deliberately revived to tarnish the image and reputation of the commission,” it added.

The agency also noted that the matter is currently under police investigation and that it is cooperating fully with the Royal Malaysia Police to ensure the facts are established in accordance with the law.

"MACC remains committed to carrying out its mandate to combat corruption without fear or favour and will not be deterred by any attempts to undermine its integrity or disrupt the role and functions of the commission," it said.

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