Gempur Rasuah Sabah objects Azam's extension, reminds PM of past stand
Published: Apr 22, 2025 12:05 PM
Updated: 2:05 PM
Summary
- Gempur Rasuah Sabah says if PM extends Azam’s tenure as MACC chief, it would be a ‘betrayal’ of Harapan’s promised reforms.
- Group urges for an independent commission to select those for such positions.
Gempur Rasuah Sabah has voiced its “strong objection” to the possible extension of MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s tenure, saying it would be a “betrayal” of the reforms that Pakatan Harapan had promised.
The group emphasised that the appointment of the MACC chief should undergo an independent and transparent assessment process, with the selection reviewed and debated in Parliament.
“Furthermore, we are of the view that an independent commission should be established to carry out the function of assessing and selecting officers, including the MACC chief commissioner, as proposed by Bersih,” it added in a statement.
The group also reminded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Harapan’s past campaign against Azam (above, right) in 2022.
Gempur Rasuah Sabah said the government must stay consistent with its strategy as outlined in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, which calls for the appointment of a new MACC chief commissioner.
What happened to questioning Azam?
On Nov 17, 2022, just two days before the 15th general election, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli told Sinar Harian that Azam would be brought in for questioning in Parliament if Harapan won the polls.
The group emphasised that the appointment of the MACC chief should undergo an independent and transparent assessment process, with the selection reviewed and debated in Parliament.
“Furthermore, we are of the view that an independent commission should be established to carry out the function of assessing and selecting officers, including the MACC chief commissioner, as proposed by Bersih,” it added in a statement.
The group also reminded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Harapan’s past campaign against Azam (above, right) in 2022.
Gempur Rasuah Sabah said the government must stay consistent with its strategy as outlined in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, which calls for the appointment of a new MACC chief commissioner.
What happened to questioning Azam?
On Nov 17, 2022, just two days before the 15th general election, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli told Sinar Harian that Azam would be brought in for questioning in Parliament if Harapan won the polls.
PKR’s Rafizi Ramli
He stressed that the anti-graft agency would also be placed under the oversight of Parliament if the coalition succeeded in forming the government.
However, since taking power, Anwar’s administration has extended Azam’s contract twice and is now speculated to be considering another extension.
On April 4, the prime minister said the government had not yet decided on Azam’s tenure, which is due to expire in May.
This followed a Bloomberg report quoting sources who claimed that Anwar is set to extend Azam’s contract, with an announcement likely in early May, though the plans may still change.
The report also stated that Anwar had discussed with officials the possibility that granting Azam a full-year extension could spark criticism against the government.
He stressed that the anti-graft agency would also be placed under the oversight of Parliament if the coalition succeeded in forming the government.
However, since taking power, Anwar’s administration has extended Azam’s contract twice and is now speculated to be considering another extension.
On April 4, the prime minister said the government had not yet decided on Azam’s tenure, which is due to expire in May.
This followed a Bloomberg report quoting sources who claimed that Anwar is set to extend Azam’s contract, with an announcement likely in early May, though the plans may still change.
The report also stated that Anwar had discussed with officials the possibility that granting Azam a full-year extension could spark criticism against the government.
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