Shukri is back to helm MACC

PETALING JAYA: In 2016, he opted to retire and deliver an emotional parting shot but two years on, Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull is back in charge of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The country’s former No.2 graft buster admitted that he was surprised by the “call of duty”.

“At the moment, I don’t want to comment about my appointment,” he said when contacted.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that the 58-year-old would take over the post of MACC chief commissioner.

“He has vast experience and a lot of information (on past wrongdoings of the previous government),” Dr Mahathir said at a press conference.

On Monday, Mohd Shukri was summoned to meet Dr Mahathir in Putrajaya, where he said the Prime Minister asked him about the 1MDB case.

At his retirement two years ago, he broke down and reminded his colleagues to perform their duties without fear or favour.

“MACC is not for cowards. I suffered from insomnia and have high blood pressure.

“I have been insulted and even accused of being a conspirator to topple the Government,” he said in his parting speech back then.

Mohd Shukri also shared the challenges he faced in the line of duty such as receiving death threats and a live bullet being sent to his house.

He also revealed in an official MACC video that there were attempts to interfere in investigations.

“Once there is a case, we must complete the investigation papers. I will not allow anyone to interfere and I won’t allow my officers to stop a probe.

“I’ve never questioned the decision to charge or not ... that is not my power.

“Let’s have separation of power between investigation and prosecution,” he said.

Mohd Shukri’s successor Datuk Seri Azam Baki was elated and received the news of his return with open arms.

“I look forward to working with him again due to his professionalism.

“He has vast experience in fighting corruption and his integrity cannot be questioned,” Azam said.

He added that he and Mohd Shukri joined the MACC in 1984 together with former chief commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Moha­med.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said he was still mulling over the role of Abu Kassim on account of his expertise and knowledge about wrongdoings by the previous administration.

On Monday, Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad tendered his resignation as MACC chief commissioner.

He took over from Abu Kassim. His contract was supposed to end on July 31, 2021.