New MACC chief means business

PETALING JAYA: Newly appointed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner vows to give it his all in the fight against corruption.

Describing the appointment as an absolute honour, Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad (pic) said his new post is also a big responsibility.

“With utmost humbleness, I am grateful to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Government for this appointment.

“Their trust will not be in vain,” he said in a statement Monday.

The appointment was a chance for him to continue to serve the country, added Dzulkifli.

“I will give it my all as the new chief commissioner.

“It is a big responsibility but I vow to uphold the principles of the commission - combating corruption responsibly, sternly and fairly ,” he said.

Dzulkifli’s appointment, which was widely rumoured several days prior to the announcement, was well received by A-G Tan Sri Apandi Ali and senior lawyers.

Dzulkifli, 48, takes over from outgoing chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, who officially steps down tomorrow but started his leave yesterday.

Abu Kassim’s contract as chief commissioner was supposed to end on Dec 4, 2018, but the date was brought forward to Aug 1 this year upon his request.

During his 23 years in service, Dzulkifli contributed to various divisions before his last post as director in the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team (NRRET).

He started his career as a prosecutor in 1993 where he served in the Commercial Crime Unit for 10 years and was the unit’s chief for another six years.

He was chairman of a special task force and was director of management of criminal cases. He also served in various other units such as the Classified Case unit and forfeiture of property unit.

Dzulkifli also handled several high-profile corruption and criminal breach of trust cases in the past.

This includes the prosecution of two Tabung Haji senior general managers, Mohamad Shafie and Mohamed Amin Sidek, in 2002.

However, Mohamad was discharged and acquitted in 2012 by the Court of Appeal.

He also led the prosecution team when National Feedlot Corpora-tion chairperson Mohamed Salleh Ismail was charged four years ago.

Dzulkifli has a Bachelors of Law Degree and DSLP (Diploma in Syariah and Legal Practice) from the International Islamic University.

He was called to the Bar in 1993. He is married to Datin Bitizela Mohd Bidin and the couple is blessed with a son and a daughter