Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has denied any involvement in the awarding of a RM178.29 million contract to a company linked to his brother, Datuk Nasir Baki.
Azam said he was unaware of the matter and stressed that the contract award was a business decision between the company and the relevant ministry.
Responding to questions, he said the project was not related to him as he had already retired from the MACC and that the decision to award the contract was under the ministry’s authority.
“It is up to the ministry to award the project to his company,” he said.
Contract awarded for Malaysia-Singapore border system
Azam was responding to a report by The Edge Malaysia which claimed that Integriti Padu Sdn Bhd had secured a six-year contract worth RM178.29 million to develop and operate the Road Charge and Vehicle Entry Permit (RC/VEP) system at the Malaysia-Singapore border.
The contract was reportedly awarded by the Transport Ministry on May 26 following a request for proposal (RFP) process that began in June last year.
The RC/VEP system is intended to manage vehicle entry-related charges and permits for vehicles crossing the Malaysia-Singapore border.
Azam defends family members
Azam also defended his family members, saying they should not be targeted simply because of their relationship with him.
He questioned whether all of his relatives should face scrutiny because of their connection to him, adding that his family members have their own careers and achievements.
He cited his younger sister, who is a well-known ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, as an example.
“Does this mean she too will become a subject of attention?” he said.
Azam retired as MACC chief commissioner on May 12.
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