Kuala lumpur: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) outgoing chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki expressed hope that the commission's reform and transformation agenda initiated by previous leadership will continue to ensure it remains relevant and trusted by the public. Azam, whose tenure ends Tuesday (May 12), said the effort must continue as anti-corruption strategies need to be constantly improved to keep pace with changing times.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azam stated, "This transformation is a living process. Whoever becomes the chief commissioner and leads this agency must pursue continuous transformation, and that is what I have done. If there is no new approach, then we will remain stuck in the old ways. The people will judge whether the MACC is effective or not," during a Kolar Hitam podcast series titled 'Kolar Hitam: Bukan Sekadar Operasi' (More Than Just Operations) on MACC's official YouTube channel today.
Azam highlighted that one of the major changes implemented within the MACC was the introduction of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997, which he described as a significant milestone in strengthening the country's anti-corruption laws. He acknowledged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's pivotal role in introducing the legislation during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, which was later bolstered through the MACC Act 2009, bringing significant transformation to the agency.
Moreover, Azam pointed out that the death of Teoh Beng Hock in 2009 was a critical juncture for the MACC, prompting the need for drastic changes to restore its image and regain public confidence. He noted that the transformation initiated during the era of former MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim from 2011 to 2013 has continued to this day.
Discussing his leadership style, Azam emphasized the necessity of firmness in steering an enforcement agency to ensure no officers engage in criminal activities, corruption, or disciplinary violations, thereby preserving the organisation's integrity. "We cannot compromise with any officer if they commit criminal offences, corruption, or other crimes, as well as serious misconduct or disciplinary violations," he asserted.
Reflecting on his future post-retirement, Azam, who has dedicated 42 years to the agency, expressed his readiness to continue offering his experience and expertise to the country. "I will still keep an eye on the MACC from the outside. When the time comes for me to speak up, I will do so to offer good or constructive views," he remarked.
On April 25, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, gave his consent for the appointment of former High Court judge Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman as the new MACC chief commissioner, effective May 13.