Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said it was not enough for anti-corruption bodies to be free from interference if they were not worthy of the people’s confidence: Azam Baki emphasized the need for strong oversight and public accountability alongside institutional independence for effective anti-corruption efforts in Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azam highlighted that Malaysia’s experience showed the necessity of institutional independence being coupled with robust oversight and public accountability. He noted that Malaysia’s adoption of Article 36 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was guided by the Jakarta Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies. Azam stated that the MACC embraces these principles in both form and substance through a framework of five independent oversight committees, ensuring the commission remains answerable to the public while maintaining operational independence.

In his ad
dress at the Southeast Asia Anti-Corruption Conference: Recalling Jakarta Statement, Azam called on governments to guarantee institutional autonomy, encouraged civil society to serve as partners in accountability, and urged the private sector to uphold ethical practices. The conference saw participation from Indonesia Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chief commissioner Setyo Budianto and representatives from various countries, including Austria, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Timor Leste, Mongolia, and Hong Kong.

Azam stressed that the Jakarta Statement should be viewed as a roadmap for action, emphasizing that anti-corruption efforts must be institutionalized, professionalized, and shielded from politicization to achieve lasting success. He reaffirmed MACC’s commitment to advancing legislative reforms, capacity-building initiatives, and enhanced regional and international cooperation to dismantle corruption networks.

Furthermore, Azam mentioned that the MACC would adopt digit
al innovations, including artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, to uncover hidden financial crimes. He also affirmed the commission’s dedication to upholding the spirit of Malaysia MADANI by embedding integrity, accountability, and social justice at the core of governance.