Pulai MP Salahuddin Ayub filed the motion today in accordance with Standing Order 18(1)(2), saying the matter was of public interest.

Yesterday, the ACAB cleared Azam of any wrongdoing, saying the purchase of shares by his brother was not a conflict of interests.

In a letter submitting the motion to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Harun, Salahuddin said it was crucial for the board to conduct further investigation in order to restore public confidence in the MACC’s ability to curb corruption.

He hoped that the motion could be tabled during the start of the new session of Parliament beginning on March 1.

At a press conference at the MACC’s headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday, ACAB chairman Abu Zahar Ujang said they had sought an explanation from Azam on the purchase of shares.

Abu Zahar said Azam had explained that his share account was used by his brother Nasir to buy shares that he (Azam) did not have any pecuniary interest in. The purchase of shares was made in the open market in 2015 and there was no conflict of interests, he said.

The announcement was met with outrage from several quarters, who called out the lack of independence in the inquiry process.

Among them was Cynthia Gabriel, the executive director of the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, who said the ACAB’s inquiry did not amount to “an independent probe to ascertain the truth and details”.

“Only an independent probe will suffice to clear his (Azam’s) name and restore the integrity of the MACC,” she told FMT.