The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) has issued a scathing critique of Tan Sri Azam Baki's reappointment as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, asserting that it underscores the persistent failure of the government to enact meaningful institutional reform.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the corruption watchdog reiterated its objections to Azam's contract extension, echoing concerns voiced a year prior. C4 Center emphasized that until the appointment process for the MACC chief commissioner undergoes significant reform, questions regarding the agency's credibility and independence will persist.
Calling for urgent action to decentralize and democratize executive power, C4 Center highlighted Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali's announcement of Azam's reappointment, citing sections of the MACC Act 2009. However, C4 Center contended that these sections, particularly "on the advice" provisions, effectively strip discretion from the Agong, contravening constitutional norms.
The agency also referenced previous revelations regarding Azam's financial interests, alleging that he owned significant shares in publicly-listed companies while serving as head of MACC's investigations department. Furthermore, C4 Center criticized Azam's recourse to defamation lawsuits, labeling them as strategic attempts to silence dissenting voices.
Criticism of the appointment process for MACC chiefs is not new, with civil society organizations advocating for reforms as far back as 2015. Despite international scrutiny and recommendations for parliamentary oversight, progress has been sluggish, with proposed initiatives such as the Public Appointments Bill failing to materialize.
Anwar Ibrahim's pledge to entertain alternative appointment mechanisms has yet to bear fruit, leaving concerns regarding the politicization of MACC investigations unaddressed. The newly-minted National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028 offers little respite, relegating reforms to a long-term sub-strategy with a protracted implementation timeline.
C4 Center's lamentation over the delay in reform underscores the potential repercussions for the government, particularly in the context of politically sensitive investigations. Against this backdrop, Azam Baki's reappointment symbolizes not only a missed opportunity for reform but also a stark reminder of the government's failure to deliver on its promises of accountability and transparency.
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