Azam Sues Whistleblower For Defamation Over Shareholdings Claim

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MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has filed a defamation suit today against whistleblower Lalitha Kunaratnam, who had written about his share ownership in two publicly listed companies.
“Today we have filed a claim for defamation in the Kuala Lumpur High Court on behalf of our client Azam against Lalitha.
“Instead of responding to our client’s letter of demand issued on Jan 6, 2022, she has issued a press statement published on her Twitter account, wherein she has claimed to stand by her publication and republication the contents of which our client strenuously maintains are defamatory,” said Azam’s lawyer Megat Abdul Munir in a statement today.
As such, he said Azam filed this suit before the expiry of the 14 days from the date the letter of demand was issued in order to protect his reputation and professional standing.
Azam had previously issued a letter of demand to Lalitha via his lawyers, demanding an apology and RM10 million in damages.
Lalitha has since said she stands by her reports and criticised the MACC’s attempt to rope in the police to investigate her.
Megat said, with this lawsuit, Azam is merely asserting his rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution to seek the “necessary and appropriate reliefs from the Malaysian courts”.
Azam also strongly believes that this will provide Lalitha a similar right and opportunity to defend her claims in court, instead of engaging in a trial by media.
“Our client wishes to make clear his unwavering commitment that the MACC will always protect all whistleblowers who fall within the ambit of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010,” Megat said.
He added that upon his advice, Azam will not be making any further statements in relation to this matter.
“He (Azam) has full confidence in the Malaysian courts to hear and decide on this matter accordingly,” Megat said.
Azam came under the spotlight over his ownership of 1,930,000 shares in Gets Global Berhad (previously KBES Berhad) on April 30, 2015 worth around RM772,000 at the time.
His shareholding in Gets Global Berhad went down to 1,029,500 as of March 31, 2016, worth around RM340,000 at the time.
He also held 2,156,000 warrants in Excel Force MSC Berhad in March 2016.
The share ownership in 2015 and 2016 had raised questions on whether it was commensurate with his income as a public servant.
In a special press conference on Jan 5, Azam did not dispute the ownership of the shares but claimed they were bought in his name by his younger brother. They have since been transferred to his brother.
However, the explanation attracted the attention of the Securities Commission for possible misuse of trading accounts. - Mkini

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