KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic) is prepared to continue as Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner should the government decide to extend his tenure.
The 62-year-old said he would respect any decision made by the government regarding his position.
“I am someone who will accept any decision made by the government. My appointment was made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister, as provided under Section 5 of the MACC Act 2009.
“So, as a government officer, I simply follow orders.”
When asked whether he felt ready to continue leading the agency, Azam replied with a smile, “I am still young, lah.”
He said this at the engagement with media practitioners in Sabah on Thursday (April 10). Also present was Sabah Journalists Association president Datuk Muguntan Vanar.
On April 3, a news outlet reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to grant another six-month extension to Azam once his current term ends in May.
If confirmed, this would mark the third extension for Azam, who has already surpassed the mandatory retirement age of 60.
He was previously granted two one-year extensions.
The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) has reiterated criticisms it had raised in media statements dated May 17, 2023, and May 14, 2024.
It urged the government to use this opportunity to implement long-overdue reforms to the MACC.
The appointment process for the MACC chief commissioner has long been subject to scrutiny.
Under Article 40 of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong acts on the advice of the Cabinet in most matters, effectively placing the power to appoint or remove the MACC chief in the hands of the Prime Minister.
Earlier, Azam revealed that the MACC recorded a total seizure amounting to RM483,386,441 in the first three months of this year, with the highest amount linked to a case involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“In the case involving Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, we seized around RM177mil. As I shared in a recent press conference, the seized assets include cash and gold bars. These form part of the RM487mil in total.
“This case marks the largest single seizure so far — RM177mil,” he said.
Azam also stated that assets and funds frozen under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 total RM548,978,525.
In addition, RM603,363.29 in forfeited assets has been credited into government accounts under three relevant acts, including the Criminal Procedure Code.
“This reflects our ongoing efforts to resolve other cases with the aim of securing forfeitures, whether through court declarations, penalties, or compounds. So far, we have collected RM412,000 in penalties or compounds,” he added.
