COMMENT | To say that the image and reputation of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) are in tatters would be an understatement.

Its chief, Azam Baki, offered a preposterous and ludicrous explanation on his reported ownership of shares in public-listed companies. But he did not do himself any favour by claiming, “I did no wrong”.

Adding fuel to the fire, MACC’s Anti-Corruption Advisory Board (ACAB) lost all its credibility and standing by “clearing” Azam of any wrongdoing.

Leaving aside the issue of its powers and terms of reference, ACAB chairperson Abu Zahar Ujang (above) appeared to be ignorant of the laws related to the use of proxies under the Security Industry (Central Depositories Act).

But focusing on Azam and Abu Zahar’s utterances would be missing the trees for the woods. These are just a culmination of events that have brought the conduct of the MACC and its officers under scrutiny.

Abu Zahar’s so-called exoneration of Azam not only reflects the institutional failure of oversight mechanisms but also the quality of the people who helm them...