PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said his decision to retain Azam Baki as Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief proves the anti-graft agency is independent and is not subject to his orders. 

He said he broke the custom practised by his predecessors by not appointing a new MACC chief upon becoming prime minister. 

“According to the current rules and legislation, the MACC is an independent body,” the Tambun MP said during Ministers’ Question Time. 

“That is why when I was appointed (as prime minister), I did not choose to change the head of MACC, who was appointed by Pagoh (Muhyiddin Yassin). 

“I do not want to create the perception that a new prime minister will appoint a new MACC chief. 

“The provisions of the current law guarantees MACC’s independence and that they are not subjected to the prime minister’s orders,” Anwar said. 

Anwar was responding to a question from Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah-PN),who asked about the government’s readiness to act on Transparency International Malaysia’s recommendation for the MACC to be under the purview of parliament.

Alleging that Azam’s contract is about to expire, Mas Ermieyati asked if his contract extension or replacement would be referred to the bipartisan parliamentary special select committee, a procedure with which Anwar claimed to have no issue. 

There have been calls from Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul for key appointments in government to come under the purview of parliament to ensure transparency and impartiality. 

Anwar said he has no problem weighing in on recommendations by TI-M or others. – March 28, 2023.