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Azam Baki rules out political future after MACC exit, expresses confidence in successor

Outgoing MACC chief says he will remain active post-retirement but has no plans to enter politics, as he backs incoming leadership to sustain the agency’s momentum

7:52 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has dismissed speculation about his post-retirement plans, joking that he will not be following in the footsteps of certain groups by gathering outside Sogo once his tenure ends on May 12.

Speaking to reporters after the handover ceremony of the Kampung Terentang Kariah Mosque in Padang Lebar today, Azam said he intends to remain active, noting that he is still in good health.

“I don’t know my plans yet because I’m still healthy. I can jog, ride a bike and so on.

“So I will not gather at Sogo next time,” he said.

Azam also made it clear that politics is not on his radar, stressing that his career has always been rooted in public service.

He expressed gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the trust placed in him throughout his tenure, particularly through three contract extensions.

“As everyone knows, May 12 is my deadline.

“I would like to thank Yang di-Pertuan Agong for placing his trust in me by extending my contract three times. This is an honour for me,” he said, as reported by Sinar Harian.

Earlier, former High Court judge Datuk Seri Abdul Halim was announced as the new MACC Chief Commissioner, effective May 13.

Looking ahead, Azam voiced full confidence in his successor and urged all MACC personnel to extend their full support to Abdul Halim.

“I am confident that the excellence of the MACC will continue to be demonstrated by my officers under the new leadership,” he said.

Azam was appointed as MACC chief commissioner on March 9, 2020, succeeding Latheefa Koya, who opted to end her tenure early under Subsection 5(3) of the MACC Act 2009.

He subsequently continued at the helm through reappointments in 2020 and 2023, capping more than six years leading the country’s anti-graft agency. — April 25, 2026

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