PUTRAJAYA: All Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) personnel and officers should give their full support and cooperation to the new chief commissioner, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Azam, who officially ended his tenure at the helm of the MACC on Tuesday (May 12), said everyone must fully support the new leadership to ensure it remains strong and relevant.
"Loyalty and cooperation with the incoming leadership are crucial for the stability of the organisation.
"If officers do not cooperate with the new leadership, they are sabotaging the organisation itself.
"In any organisation, we must remain loyal to the leadership," he said in his speech during a special farewell ceremony and clocking out at the MACC headquarters on Tuesday.
Reflecting on his years in service, Azam said officers must continue serving the people regardless of who leads the organisation.
"We remain here as officers who serve the rakyat and the nation," he added.
However, he stressed that the most important thing was ensuring the MACC continues the legacy built by previous leaders.
"This organisation must remain relevant as envisioned by the earlier leadership. I am only continuing the legacy left behind for the sake of the country and the people," he said.
Azam also express his gratitude to the organising committee and MACC officers for the heartfelt farewell after 42 years of service in the public sector.
"I am very touched and deeply moved by the support shown by my officers in accompanying me on my retirement at the age of 63," he said.
Azam, who began his career with the Anti-Corruption Agency (BPR) before serving under the MACC, described his four-decade journey as one filled with invaluable experience and challenges.
"I will continue working and serving the people for as long as I have the energy.
"I will also try to contribute based on my experience in promoting good governance and integrity wherever needed," he said.
Azam then became emotional.
"My family are my strongest supporters. They had to face challenges and hardship they should never have had to endure," he said, while shedding tears.
He added that he was thankful his family remained calm and supportive, even during difficult times.
After six years at the helm of the MACC, Azam said its achievements and successes were the result of collective effort and not just individual leadership.
He said the strong spirit of togetherness and esprit de corps among MACC officers was a key driving force behind its success in facing various challenges and the change in the crime landscape.
Azam also apologised for any shortcomings throughout his tenure.
"I seek forgiveness and apologise for any shortcomings in administering and managing this organisation. Truly, all weaknesses came from myself," he said.
