Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stood by the government’s decision to extend the contract of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, attributing the move to Azam’s bold and uncompromising stance in confronting high-level corruption. Speaking at the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) National Congress 2025 held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Anwar highlighted what he described as an unprecedented level of assertiveness under Azam's leadership.
The prime minister emphasized that under Azam’s tenure, MACC had shown a readiness to go after powerful figures, including wealthy tycoons and individuals with honorific titles. He pointed out that such a degree of fearlessness had rarely been witnessed in the commission’s history. In his view, replacing Azam with someone new would pose the risk of losing this momentum, as few may match his willingness to take on billion-ringgit cases involving the elite.
Despite ongoing criticism, including from political opponents, Anwar insisted that the extension was justified by the commission’s recent track record. He urged all quarters to allow MACC the autonomy to carry out its mandate without external interference. According to him, the anti-graft agency’s work should not be misread as politically motivated revenge, but rather as a necessary and impartial pursuit of justice.
Anwar also acknowledged that a leadership transition at MACC would eventually be required. However, he stressed that any successor to Azam must be equally resolute in the fight against corruption. Until such a figure is identified, the current chief must be allowed the space to continue his work effectively.
The Prime Minister's remarks followed the May 9 announcement by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, confirming that Azam’s contract had been extended for another year, from May 13, 2025, to May 12, 2026. This extension was granted with the formal consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Anwar’s strong endorsement of Azam reflects the administration’s broader stance on corruption, which he framed as a key pillar of reform. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that anti-graft efforts are carried out with integrity, even if they challenge entrenched interests or provoke criticism from within or outside the government.
Information Source: Malay Mail
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