THE man who paid a heavy price for trying to nail Najib Razak for corruption has been made Malaysia’s top graft-buster.

Shukri Abdull, who was previously Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deputy chief commissioner (operations), will now head the anti-graft agency, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.

Shukri replaces former MACC chief Dzulkifli Ahmad, who tendered his resignation earlier this week.

Dr Mahathir said selecting Shukri for the job was easy, as he is experienced.

“He has a lot of information, and he is against wrongdoings.

“He will also investigate Najib for obstructing MACC investigations in the past.”

Shukri is best known for his single-minded approach in uncovering the wrongdoings at SRC International and 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

A popular figure among the MACC rank and file, he was defamed by Umno-friendly bloggers when it became clear that he was not keen on covering up the abuses at the state-owned entities.

Upon his retirement two years ago, he gave a stirring farewell speech to MACC staff, telling them to fight till the end. – May 17, 2018.