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THE Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Tan Sri Azam Baki, has declined to comment on reports that his service contract may not be renewed, amid growing attention on the agency’s ongoing investigations into the 1MDB financial scandal.
“No comment. I have already said that I will not respond to that issue,” he said briefly when approached after attending a Multi-Agency Task Force engagement session at the MACC headquarters today.
Speculation over his tenure follows international media reports suggesting that his contract, which is due to expire on 12 May, may not be extended, citing alleged misconduct.
Azam’s tenure has previously been extended three times.
Separately, Azam confirmed that the MACC has gathered sufficient evidence to pursue charges against White & Case, which is alleged to have links to the misappropriation of funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
The firm had previously represented PetroSaudi International in the controversial joint venture that attracted global scrutiny.
He said investigations uncovered elements of wrongdoing, including suspected falsification of documents and misleading payment instructions that enabled funds linked to 1MDB to be channelled to unauthorised parties.
“The investigation also examined payments made to the firm, which are believed to involve funds directly linked to the misappropriation of 1MDB assets.
The investigation is being conducted under relevant legal provisions, including the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA),” he said.
The MACC is also working closely with international authorities, including through mutual legal assistance mechanisms with the United Kingdom, to strengthen the case.
“The MACC will also share its findings with the relevant authorities to support further enforcement action within their respective jurisdictions,” he added.
The development comes amid reports by The Observer that the UK office of White & Case is under investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority over its role in the 1MDB-linked joint venture with PetroSaudi International, one of the most significant financial scandals in recent history. - April 2, 2026