A student group from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has urged the government not to extend the tenure of Azam Baki as the head of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), warning that doing so would undermine public confidence and contradict the government's reform promises.
Suara Mahasiswa UMS, part of the anti-corruption movement Sekretariat Perhimpunan Aman Gempur Rasuah Sabah, issued a statement strongly opposing any plans to keep Azam in office. They argued that continuing his leadership goes against the spirit of institutional reforms championed by the Pakatan Harapan coalition, which plays a key role in the current unity government.
“This move would be a betrayal of the reform agenda pledged by Pakatan Harapan,” the group stated. They reminded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of his active participation in the 2022 “Tangkap Azam Baki” protest, emphasizing the inconsistency between his past stance and any future support for Azam’s contract renewal.
Suara Mahasiswa UMS also highlighted the need for a more transparent and independent process in selecting future MACC commissioners. They echoed the electoral watchdog Bersih’s call for such appointments to be carried out through a dedicated commission. The group pointed to the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2028, which outlines a commitment to open and accountable leadership selection for MACC.
Azam Baki’s current contract is due to end in May, but there is speculation that Prime Minister Anwar may approve another extension. A Bloomberg report last month suggested that Azam is expected to receive a six-month renewal—his third since first assuming the role in March 2020. His first extension came in May 2023 for one year, followed by another in 2024.
Despite growing concerns from civil society, Prime Minister Anwar stated on April 4 that no final decision had been made regarding Azam’s future at the anti-graft agency.
Suara Mahasiswa UMS warned that extending Azam’s leadership without reforming the appointment process risks damaging the MACC’s credibility at a time when Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts require public trust and institutional integrity.
The group’s statement adds pressure on the government to match its actions with its reform rhetoric as it approaches a critical decision point for MACC’s top post.
The call from student activists reflects a wider national discourse on transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity within Malaysia’s governance structures. With growing public demand for clean governance, there is a push not only to review current leadership at key agencies but also to revamp the mechanisms by which such appointments are made.
In the wake of several high-profile corruption cases, public trust remains fragile. Any indication that leadership extensions are being made without transparency or due consultation may deepen skepticism, especially among younger Malaysians who have grown increasingly engaged in political accountability movements.
Information Source: FMT
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