Time for Action: Will Nurul Izzah Urge the PM to Sack Azam Baki?

Time for Action: Will Nurul Izzah Urge the PM to Sack Azam Baki?


27 May 2025 • 7:30 AM MYT


Kamran
A freelance content creator

Image Credit: The Vibes


Public outcry has intensified following the government’s decision to reappoint Tan Sri Azam Baki as Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for a third term. In response, numerous civil society organisations and student movements are calling on PKR’s deputy president, Nurul Izzah Anwar, to honour her prior commitments to institutional reform and convince the Prime Minister to reverse the decision.


Azam’s continued leadership at the MACC has become a flashpoint for activists and reform advocates who view the reappointment as contradictory to the promises of good governance made during the last general election. Critics argue that this move sends the wrong signal about the government's seriousness in addressing corruption and strengthening institutional integrity.


Leading the charge, a representative from the coalition behind the recent "Himpunan Undur Azam Baki" demonstration urged Nurul Izzah to move beyond campaign promises and take decisive action. He expressed hope that her calls for reform were not merely politically motivated statements made during PKR’s internal party contests, but rather genuine efforts toward institutional accountability. The representative further offered to collaborate on future protests if Nurul Izzah proves sincere in opposing Azam's reappointment.


Students have also joined the call for action. A spokesperson for Liga Mahasiswa Malaysia underscored the need for leadership at MACC to be entrusted to individuals with the highest standards of integrity and credibility. The continued presence of Azam, they argued, does not align with the aspirations of those who voted for change under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner.


Disappointment has also been expressed over the apparent silence of key figures within the ruling coalition. The acting president of MUDA voiced concern about the lack of response from PH leaders, recalling that many of them had previously spoken against Azam’s role in the MACC. The reappointment, in her view, raises questions about whether past declarations to uphold justice and combat corruption were genuine or politically expedient.


These calls for Nurul Izzah to intervene suggest that pressure is mounting not only on her but also on the broader government leadership to demonstrate consistency between their reformist rhetoric and actual policy decisions. As public confidence in anti-corruption efforts hangs in the balance, civil society continues to demand accountability and leadership that aligns with democratic values.


Information Source: The Vibes