Gobind Singh Deo asked the question in a Facebook post today in response to the open support given by three deputy chief commissioners of the anti-graft agency to MACC chief Azam Baki, who is under fire over ownership of corporate shares.

In their statement of support yesterday, the three senior officers – Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, Norazlan Mohd Razali and Junipah Wandi – also claimed that Azam was a victim of revenge politics.

Gobind said he found the claim of revenge politics odd given the recent developments on Azam’s share ownership issue.

“The shares have been identified. The board (the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board) members have come up with a statement distancing themselves from their chairman’s press conference.

“The Securities Commission (Malaysia) has also asked for details.

“This is about transparency and accountability, not politics,” he said.

Gobind also reminded the three deputy commissioners that there was an ongoing investigation on Azam, and asked whether they would resign if the probe disclosed a case against him.

He said the statement issued by the three deputy commissioners underscored the importance of Azam going on garden leave during the probe.

“MACC ought not to be put in a position where it must assist in the probe when he is still the chief. That would not be right,” he said.

He also reminded the deputy commissioners that the people had every right to ask for an explanation and call for action in cases like the one facing Azam.

“The irony of it all is that MACC was set up for that very purpose. It is they themselves who should be asking questions and calling for action,” he said.