PUTRAJAYA, May 12 (Bernama) — After more than four decades in public service, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki today ended his tenure after overseeing a period of institutional reforms and operational changes in the agency’s anti-corruption efforts.
A special appreciation ceremony held at the MACC headquarters here was attended by more than 1,000 senior officers as a symbolic farewell marking his retirement. The event was also attended by his wife, Puan Sri Normah Mohd Zin, and family members.
Throughout his 42 years in public service, Azam held several key positions in the MACC, including director of the Intelligence Division, director of the Investigation Division and deputy chief commissioner (Operations), before being appointed chief commissioner in March 2020.
Under his leadership, the MACC underwent significant transformation, with emphasis placed on intelligence-based investigations, the use of technology and a focus on high-impact cases involving grand corruption and leakages of public funds.
Azam also strengthened and streamlined the MACC’s operational and enforcement actions through the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Tactical Squad (ACTS) on Oct 5, 2023, to enhance high-risk operational capabilities and improve enforcement effectiveness.
In addition, he reinforced integrated enforcement efforts with other agencies through the Multiagency Task Force (MATF) approach, which involved strategic cooperation to combat smuggling, money laundering and leakages in national revenue, including large-scale operations such as Ops Metal, Ops Nature and Ops Karen.
During his tenure as MACC chief commissioner, Azam also focused on recovering national assets, with the commission successfully recovering about RM15.5 billion worth of assets between 2021 and early 2026, a large portion of which involved funds linked to 1MDB.
Azam also placed focus on tackling organised crime syndicates and high-profile cases involving abuse of power and leakages of public funds.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Azam expressed appreciation to all MACC personnel for their commitment, cooperation and continuous support throughout his service with the commission.
“The MACC has a capable and committed line-up of officers to continue carrying out its responsibilities.
“With renewed spirit, fresh ideas and strong determination, I am confident the next generation will be able to take the MACC forward in line with current demands and future challenges,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of the MACC remaining relevant through bolder approaches in combating corruption, including wider use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
On April 25, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consented to the appointment of former High Court judge Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman as the new MACC chief commissioner, effective May 13.
— BERNAMA