Azam Baki Says He Sleeps Soundly Despite Criticisms Lobbed At MACC

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Tan Sri Azam Baki has held this role since March 2020. He has also been involved in the anti-corruption movement for 40 years.

The length of his tenure as the top dog in MACC has been a subject of scrutiny, including allusions that MACC has not been transparent when it comes to their investigations and more.

Despite the criticisms, Azam Baki, who turns 62 this year, told Berita Harian’s Borak Harini podcast that negative comments don’t bother him. He said despite facing various issues, especially when high-profile corruption cases emerged, he remained sound asleep and experience no health problems.

He said this when asked about the public’s perception and allegations that MACC is not independent when investigating corruption cases despite evidence showing otherwise.

For example, the arrest of the former Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, last November, for soliciting or accepting a bribe.

On 4 December, Shamsul Iskandar was charged at the Sessions Court for accepting RM100,000 in cash from businessman Albert Tei Jiann Cheing, as an inducement to help companies owned by Tei obtain mineral exploration license approval in Sabah.

Azam acknowledged that society will only consider a decision to be right if it follows their wishes. He said in reality, MACC is only carrying out its responsibilities and it’s not their duty to conduct surveys on public’s perception of the commission.

He said when they’re given a responsibility, he doesn’t ask too many questions. He said decisions are made based on the law, existing guidelines, and also based on actions that they think are right.

He added MACC is monitored by five committees and explained this structure shows that the commission is free from external influences.

Azam also shared that he doesn’t like to procrastinate or postpone work tasks. He believes if work keeps getting delayed, it will never be completed. He believes those who procrastinate will never be successful in their lives.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.