MACC chief commissioner Azam reflects on role after reappointment
PUTRAJAYA: For Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic), his work for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is never driven by rank or position but guided by a clear conscience.
“I do not expect to be remembered, nor do I aspire to create a legacy. What is most important to me is maintaining a clear conscience and leaving a path untarnished,” said the MACC chief commissioner.
Despite having served the MACC for more than four decades, he said that he never sought recognition or accolades.
He said it’s enough that he serves with integrity and fulfils the responsibilities entrusted to him.
According to him, holding the highest position in the commission is never a means for personal glory, but rather a role that must be carried out with sincerity and integrity.
He is always guided by the principle of doing his best, acting independently without the need for orders, acknowledgement or accolades, as reported by Bernama.
Azam, 62, joined the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) in 1984 as a Grade 29 officer, which is equivalent to the rank of police inspector in the police force.
He has a diploma in electrical engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, a bachelor’s degree in jurisprudence from Universiti Malaya and a master’s degree from Asia E-University.
Azam said that throughout his tenure at MACC, he emphasised perseverance, commitment and determination in leading the fight against corruption.
“These were also the motto for UTM, the first university where I pursued my studies in 1981. I have never sought to leave a personal legacy. My only hope is that no one will look back and criticise me for leaving behind something bad,” he said.
Azam stressed that his motivation was never driven by rank or position but by a desire to demonstrate that his work reflected his ideas, innovations and integrity.
“If people wish to question what I have done, I’m open to engagement and discussion,” he added.
For Azam, true leadership is measured not by the number of followers one has or the level of public recognition one receives but rather by the values one upholds and the example one sets for others.
In moulding his leadership style, Azam drew inspiration from national icons, including the late former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman and the country’s first ACA director-general, Tan Sri Harun Hashim.
“I regard Tun Dr Ismail as a symbol of national integrity. He was outspoken and firm. Tan Sri Harun, on the other hand, was the pioneer who laid the foundation for ACA. Although I never had the chance to meet them personally, their principles and legacies have profoundly influenced me,” he said.
Azam also emphasised the importance of building the organisation’s internal resilience – not only in terms of technical capability but also in elevating the professionalism, skills and confidence of its officers.
“I want MACC officers to not just be adept at investigating cases alone. I want them to speak with confidence, whether in Malay or English. Avoid mixing languages or using slang. Speak with credibility,” he said.
In strengthening MACC’s investigative framework, Azam also pioneered the adoption of Intelligence-Based Investigation (IBI) techniques, particularly for tackling high-profile cases involving influential individuals.
“It starts with identifying high-profile corruption criminals, followed by asset recovery, ensuring that misappropriated assets are returned to the government. This IBI method has enabled us to expose large-scale corruption,” he said.
Since assuming the highest office at the MACC, Azam has introduced a series of internal skill enhancement programmes, including courses on public speaking, high-impact communication and strategic leadership.
Azam was recently reappointed as chief commissioner for a one-year term effective May 13.
This marks his third consecutive reappointment, following one-year terms beginning on May 12, 2023, and May 12, 2024.
