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DOZENS of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and student-led movements have urged PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar to fulfil her promise to persuade the Prime Minister, to revoke the reappointment of Tan Sri Azam Baki as the MACC Chief Commissioner.
Azam’s reappointment, for a third consecutive term since 2023, has sparked outrage among reform advocates who claim the move undermines the government’s stated commitment to institutional reform and the fight against corruption.
Hamdin Nordin, a representative of the Secretariat for the "Himpunan Undur Azam Baki" protest, said Nurul Izzah must follow through on her commitments rather than rely on what he called political rhetoric aimed at winning support during PKR’s internal elections.
"We hope Nurul Izzah is not merely engaging in rhetoric and empty political talk just to gain backing in her bid for the PKR Deputy Presidency during the recent party elections," he told *Sinar Harian*.
"If she is truly sincere in her fight against corruption and in opposing Azam Baki’s reappointment, then we are ready to share the stage and take to the streets together in future demonstrations," he added, after participating in a protest march from a shopping centre to Dataran Merdeka on Saturday.
Ahsanul Akmal, representing Liga Mahasiswa Malaysia, also pressed Anwar and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition to deliver on the pledges made during the last general election campaign.
According to Ahsanul, the objection to Azam’s continued leadership stems from a desire to see the MACC led by the most capable and credible figure.
Acting President of the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz, also expressed disappointment at the apparent silence from PH leaders on the matter.
"Previously, the majority of PH leaders said they wanted to fight corruption and bring Azam to justice. Yet now, he has been reappointed as MACC Chief Commissioner for a third consecutive year," she said. - May 25, 2025