“Azam’s contract extension defeats PM’s anti-corruption agenda,” says C4 founder

“Azam’s contract extension defeats PM’s anti-corruption agenda,” says C4 founder





THE Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) founder Cynthia Gabriel has demanded an explanation from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about the decision behind the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s contract extension, which she said defeats Anwar’s own anti-corruption agenda.


Gabriel, a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Anti-Corruption and Responsible Taxation, stated that she would like to meet with the prime minister about the issue as soon as possible.

“The extension is not a good step, when in fact it’s a spoke in the wheel for Anwar’s crusade against corruption.


“He needs to explain his decision. Surely, we can institute a transparent and accountable process around appointments already through the parliamentary select committee,” she told Malaysiakini.

The contract of the head of the anti-graft agency was extended earlier this week despite the fact that he has reached the obligatory retirement age of 60 as of today (May 12).

Azam was appointed as MACC chief by then-prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in 2020, after Latheefa Koya resigned following the fall of the previous government.

A MACC chief commissioner is chosen by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong based on the prime minister’s advice, according to the MACC Act 2009.

However, Azam came under criticism last year for a share ownership issue that raised questions about whether it was proportionate to his salary as a public servant and created conflict of interest concerns.

Azam said the shares were not his but were purchased in his name by his brother, causing the Securities Commission Malaysia to launch an investigation into the suspected misuse of his trading account. – May 12, 2023



Main pic credit: Twitter/Cynthia Gabriel