The MACC is among government agencies on my radar, in my fight against corruption.
— Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar
ALTHOUGH the King announced the appointment of a new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief to replace Tan Sri Azam Baki a day earlier, the “Tangkap Azam Baki” rally went ahead as planned last Saturday. That, in itself, speaks volumes.
It underscores the depth of public discontent over Azam’s tenure and, more importantly, reflects how seriously Malaysians regard the role of the MACC in the nation’s fight against corruption.
The rally, driven by civil society groups such as Bersih and supported by politicians including former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, was not a knee-jerk reaction. It had been planned well before the royal announcement, suggesting that the grievances run deeper than a single appointment.
Indeed, Azam’s three contract extensions under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remain a sore point for many. The optics have been damaging. At a time when the Unity Government has pledged reform and institutional integrity, repeatedly extending the tenure of a controversial figure has raised legitimate questions.
Speculation has not helped. There are persistent perceptions that Azam was retained to serve political ends, including investigations into figures such as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, and their families.
Whether fair or not, such perceptions erode public confidence in the MACC’s independence. Add to that murmurs about alleged ‘corporate mafia’ links within the system, and the credibility of the institution suffers an even heavier blow.
I wrote in another column last year: Is it that difficult to find a new MACC chief? The question remains relevant today. Now that a new appointment has been made, however, the focus must shift forward.
The new MACC chief is a former High Court judge, Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman. He is not widely known to the public, nor is he burdened by major controversies, at least for now. That may well be an advantage. He begins with a relatively clean slate, free from the baggage that dogged his predecessor.
But let us be clear — a new face alone does not constitute reform. As the saying goes, a new broom must sweep well.
Civil society groups and reform-minded politicians have long articulated what needs to change. Among the key demands are greater institutional independence, parliamentary oversight of the MACC, separation of prosecutorial powers from investigative functions, and stronger safeguards against political interference. These are not radical ideas; they are fundamental to restoring trust.
The MACC must not only be independent — it must be seen to be independent.
The new chief therefore faces a defining test. He must demonstrate, early and decisively, that he is prepared to lead an agency that answers to the law and the public, not to political masters.
This means pursuing cases based on evidence, regardless of who is involved. It means being transparent in decision-making. It means addressing internal weaknesses, including any perception of selective prosecution or institutional capture.
Reform is not easy. It requires political will, administrative courage and moral clarity. Abdul Halim Aman will also need the backing — or at least the non-interference — of the government of the day. Without that, even the best intentions will falter.
That is why the responsibility does not rest on his shoulders alone. The Prime Minister must also take seriously the calls for reform. Institutional change cannot be cosmetic; it must be structural and enduring.
Still, fairness demands that we give the new man a chance.
It would be reasonable to allow him a six-month window to chart his course, set priorities and begin implementing meaningful changes. Within that period, Malaysians should be able to observe whether there is a shift in tone, direction and integrity within the MACC.
Are investigations conducted without fear or favour? Is there greater transparency in high-profile cases? Are internal reforms being initiated?
These are the benchmarks by which he will be judged.
If, after six months, there is little to show — no significant progress, no visible commitment to reform — then the public has every right to demand accountability. At that point, the call to ‘shape up or ship out’ would not be unreasonable.
The MACC is too important an institution to be allowed to drift or be compromised. It stands at the frontline of Malaysia’s battle against corruption, a battle that affects governance, economic growth and public trust.
The rally last weekend should not be dismissed as mere protest. It is a reminder that Malaysians are watching closely and that they care deeply about integrity in public office.
The new MACC chief, whose appointment takes effect in two weeks on 13 May, would do well to take that message seriously.
Abdul Halim Aman has been given an opportunity — perhaps even a mandate — to reset the agency’s course. Whether he succeeds will depend not only on his competence but also on his courage to act independently and decisively.
For the sake of the country, one hopes that this new broom will indeed sweep well. Godspeed, Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
