Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki has dismissed claims that the agency focuses only on minor offenders, insisting that such accusations are driven by perception rather than facts. Speaking in Nilai on January 20, 2026, Azam stressed that MACC enforcement actions are carried out impartially, regardless of an individual’s status, influence, or position in society.
According to Azam, the view that the commission selectively targets lower-ranking individuals does not reflect the reality of its operations. He said MACC’s track record over recent years demonstrates that investigations and enforcement are conducted without discrimination, adding that the law is applied uniformly to all parties. He further suggested that some critics may be driven by scepticism or an expectation that the agency should fail, rather than by an objective assessment of its work.
Azam made the remarks after attending the handover and opening ceremony of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) Basic Training Centre, also known as the PLA. During the event, he reiterated MACC’s firm commitment to intensifying the fight against corruption in line with the directive issued by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.
He explained that the royal address had clearly underscored the need for a tough and uncompromising approach in addressing corruption, abuse of power, and integrity-related issues, particularly by enforcement bodies such as MACC. Azam said the commission viewed the royal decree as a clear mandate to strengthen its efforts and to carry out its responsibilities with greater determination and urgency.
He added that the King’s address had also highlighted several institutions that have long been associated with public concern over corruption. These references, Azam said, serve as a reminder that investigations must be intensified and handled more efficiently to ensure wrongdoing is rooted out across various sectors. He noted that the mention of specific institutions under investigation reinforced the need for MACC to strengthen its oversight and enforcement capacity.
During the opening of the parliamentary session on January 19, 2026, Sultan Ibrahim had pointed out that corruption cases within the Malaysian Armed Forces represented only a small portion of a much wider problem.
Azam said MACC fully acknowledged the seriousness of these concerns and remained committed to ensuring that all allegations are investigated thoroughly. He reaffirmed that the commission would continue to act decisively to uphold integrity and public confidence, regardless of the prominence or influence of those involved.
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