A. Aziz Rahim appointed new EAIC chief

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk A. Aziz A. Rahim has been appointed the new chairman of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) from Nov 1.

He takes over from Datuk Yaacob Md Sam whose term of office ended on Oct 14.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced A. Aziz's appointment in a statement on Wedneday (Nov 15), and said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, had consented to the appointment.

He also said that Sultan Muhammad V had also consented to the reappointment of three members of the EAIC, namely Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff, Lee Sow Siong and Leong May Chan, and the appointment of two new members, namely Datuk Sabariah Hassan and James Nayagam.

Najib said the appointment of A. Aziz was based on his eligibility and vast experience in the civil and judicial services.

A. Aziz had been advisor to the Attorney-General's Chambers (2016-2017), judge of the Court of Appeal (2012-2016), judge of the Kuala Lumpur High Court (2009-2012) and judge of the Sarawak High Court (2004-2009).

Najib said the appointments of the six EAIC members were in accordance with subsection 5(1) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700).

On behalf of the government, the Prime Minister expressed his highest appreciation to former EAIC chairman Datuk Yaacob Md Sam and members of the commission Tan Sri Dr Zulkefli A.Hassan, Datuk Seri Robert Jacob Ridu and Vinayak Prabhakar Prabhakar who completed their term of office on Oct 14.

"The line-up of the former members of the commission has been successful in boosting the credibility and effectiveness of EAIC in the eyes of the people. EAIC has now received the trust and firm confidence of numerous quarters through its transparent and credible investigations," said Najib.

"It is hoped that enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations and, especially, the public will give the commission continuous cooperation to help EAIC implement its functions effectively and efficiently," he said.

Najib also said he hoped that the appointments of the members of the commission would further strengthen the direction of EAIC in boosting a service delivery system that was efficient, transparent and just and simultaneously uphold the integrity of enforcement officers and enforcement agencies in the country. - Bernama