MACC Reform, Transformation Agenda Must Continue - Azam Baki

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) outgoing chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki expressed hope that the commission’s reform and transformation agenda initiated by previous leadership will continue to ensure it remains relevant and trusted by the public.

Azam, whose tenure ends Tuesday (May 12), said the effort must continue as anti-corruption strategies need to be constantly improved to keep pace with changing times.

“This transformation is a living process. Whoever becomes the chief commissioner and leads this agency must pursue continuous transformation, and that is what I have done.

“If there is no new approach, then we will remain stuck in the old ways. The people will judge whether the MACC is effective or not,” he said in a Kolar Hitam podcast series titled ‘Kolar Hitam: Bukan Sekadar Operasi’ (More Than Just Operations) on MACC’s official YouTube channel today.

Azam said one of the major changes implemented within the MACC came after the introduction of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997, which he described as a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s anti-corruption laws.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who at the time was serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, played an important role in introducing the legislation.

He said the law was later strengthened through the enactment of the MACC Act 2009, which brought major transformation to the agency.

In addition, Azam described the death of Teoh Beng Hock in 2009 as a turning point for the MACC to undertake drastic changes to restore its image and public confidence in the agency.

“This change or transformation is something that takes time. During the era of former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim, a transformation was carried out from 2011 to 2013 and has continued until today,” he said.

Regarding his leadership style, Azam said firmness is essential in leading an enforcement agency to ensure no officers are involved in crime, corruption, or disciplinary violations, so that the organisation’s integrity is always preserved.

We cannot compromise with any officer if they commit criminal offences, corruption, or other crimes, as well as serious misconduct or disciplinary violations,” he said.

Touching on his plans after retirement, Azam, who has served the agency for 42 years, said he is ready to continue contributing his experience and expertise to the country.

“I will still keep an eye on the MACC from the outside. When the time comes for me to speak up, I will do so to offer good or constructive views,” he said.

On April 25, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consented to the appointment of former High Court judge Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman as the new MACC chief commissioner, effective May 13.

-- BERNAMA