Azam Baki denies having control over many companies

"This is a 'total lie' to create a negative perception against me," he said in a special press conference here today.

"It is portrayed as if I control a large conglomerate under myself, in order to tarnish my reputation as the KP (chief commissioner) as well as that of the MACC," said Azam.

Azam said after seeking the advice of a lawyer, he had decided to take legal action against those who had tarnished his reputation and that of the MACC.

He claimed there were efforts by individuals with personal interests or with a bad agenda against the MACC, who were taking the opportunity to erode the public's trust in the MACC by constantly attacking the office of the chief commissioner.

He said the individuals concerned had also used certain parties to put pressure on the MACC.

"We have identified who they are and what their agenda is," he said, adding that these kinds of attacks were among the challenges faced by almost all the chief commissioners of MACC.

"In our line of work, we arrest a lot of people, regardless of whether they are dignitaries or ordinary people...of course this would anger some parties.

"I've served for 37 years, I probably have a lot of enemies, and it's likely a lot of people don't like me," he said.