Decision to extend Azam’s contract is to rebuff claim of PH intervention, says analyst
THE unity government’s decision to extend Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s contract is to steer clear of accusations that Pakatan Harapan (PH) is seeking to establish its own people in the anti-graft body, a political analyst has suggested.
In a report by FMT, political analyst Dr Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said the past governments’ decision to replace the MACC chief upon assuming power was not widely accepted.
“It would not bode well for the government’s image, as seen in the case of Latheefa Koya’s appointment as MACC chief by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,” he told the news portal.
Azam was alluding to the appointment of Latheefa as MACC chief, which drew criticism because she was a long-time PKR member.
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“One must remember that the current government is not a PH government, but rather a mixed government consisting of various political blocs. So, any actions taken must require a consensus,” Awang noted.
He believes the unity government might consider taking advantage of this opportunity to underline its lack of bias since Azam was chosen by the previous administration by proving that the MACC is an independent, honest, and transparent organisation regardless of who the prime minister and ruling cabinet are.
Last week, Selangor Muda had noted the irony of the graft-buster’s chief tenure extension, noting that PH leaders were involved in the #TangkapAzamBaki rally in January last year, when controversy emerged over his ownership of millions of ringgit in shares.
The contract of the head of the anti-graft agency was extended on Wednesday (May 10) after it was set to expire on May 12.
Additionally, Sunway University’s Prof Dr Wong Chin Huat told the news portal that it is premature to label PH as “hypocritical” adding that it will rely on the unity government’s success on MACC reform over the next year.
“Will MACC remain under the prime minister’s control, and will Azam be given another extension after next May?” he questioned.
“Or will the MACC be made accountable to parliament so that the next MACC chief – whether a new person or Azam – would have to be vetted by a multi-partisan parliamentary committee?” – May 15, 2023
He believes the unity government might consider taking advantage of this opportunity to underline its lack of bias since Azam was chosen by the previous administration by proving that the MACC is an independent, honest, and transparent organisation regardless of who the prime minister and ruling cabinet are.
Last week, Selangor Muda had noted the irony of the graft-buster’s chief tenure extension, noting that PH leaders were involved in the #TangkapAzamBaki rally in January last year, when controversy emerged over his ownership of millions of ringgit in shares.
The contract of the head of the anti-graft agency was extended on Wednesday (May 10) after it was set to expire on May 12.
Additionally, Sunway University’s Prof Dr Wong Chin Huat told the news portal that it is premature to label PH as “hypocritical” adding that it will rely on the unity government’s success on MACC reform over the next year.
“Will MACC remain under the prime minister’s control, and will Azam be given another extension after next May?” he questioned.
“Or will the MACC be made accountable to parliament so that the next MACC chief – whether a new person or Azam – would have to be vetted by a multi-partisan parliamentary committee?” – May 15, 2023
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