MACC chief quits

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Anti-Corrruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan has resigned — five months ahead of his retirement in May. His deputy Datuk Abu Kassim Mohammed succeeds him as the new Chief Commissioner from Jan 1.

In a statement yesterday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said Ahmad Said had written a letter requesting that his tenure be shortened to the end of this month.

“It was supposed to end on May 25, 2010,” he said. “The Government would like to thank him as he has managed to lead the commission with excellence and performed his task admirably.”

Mohd Sidek said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to Abu Kassim heading the commission.

The MACC has, of late, come under fire over its interrogation procedures following the death of Teoh Beng Hock.

The DAP political aide was found dead on the 5th floor of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam. He had earlier been questioned at the Selangor MACC office, which is located on the 14th floor of the building.

Thanking the Government for letting him helm the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), which was later renamed the MACC earlier this year, Ahmad Said said the time was right for him to retire after serving for almost 35 years.

“The commission is in the good hands of Abu Kassim, a man very capable of leading the MACC,” said the 58-year-old.

“He has vast experience and knowledge in combating the very difficult fight against corruption.”

Ahmad Said said he had no regrets whatsoever in joining the commission and leaving it before his tenure expired.

He said he would continue to assist the MACC if they required his advice.

Abu Kassim, 49, thanked the Government for his appointment and vowed to carry out his duties without fear or favour.

“This is a very tough job and I will need the support of everyone — not only from those in the MACC but most importantly the public,” he said. “The MACC can only be effective if we have the public rallying behind us,” he said.