Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has presented Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar with a list of candidates to be the new MACC chief commissioner.
A shortlist will be announced later, Bernama quoted Anwar as saying after a community event at Pasar Tani Kekal Permas Jaya, Johor.
When asked about the number of people on the list, the premier jokingly responded that he had submitted 120 names to the king.
Meanwhile, the king posted on his official Facebook page that Anwar was in Johor Bahru for a working visit today, where he also met his majesty at Istana Pasir Pelangi.
This comes a day after Sultan Ibrahim announced that he would appoint a new chief commissioner, and a day before protests against the incumbent, Azam Baki, are scheduled in Kuala Lumpur.
Under the MACC Act, the Agong appoints the MACC chief on the advice of the prime minister, but there have been growing calls for Parliament to have oversight on the appointment too.
As for the rally tomorrow, Bersih has anticipated a larger crowd compared to previous gatherings due to Azam gaining increasing public attention over recent controversies, including his share ownership and alleged misconduct linked to a “corporate mafia”.
The Tangkap Azam Baki secretariat claimed the matter has yet to receive a full explanation from Anwar and the government.
Azam under fire
In February, Bloomberg and Malaysiakini reported that Azam possessed shares in excess of public service rules.
The government had investigated the matter and left it under the Public Service Department disciplinary board’s deliberation since last month.
Putrajaya is withholding the probe’s findings pending the conclusion of another investigation into purported collusion between MACC and the “corporate mafia”.
According to a Bloomberg report, senior MACC officers had colluded with private individuals to stage corporate takeover of rivals, with Azam’s alleged awareness and support.
Azam has since denied all the allegations and has sued Bloomberg for defamation for its article on his shares, seeking several court orders and RM100 million general damages.
Previously, Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan said he had received Anwar's assurance that Azam’s contract would not be extended once it expires on May 12.
Azam had previously received three contract extensions, which Anwar justified as necessary due to the former’s purported bravery against corruption. - Mkini
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