Retirement will mark a new beginning, says Azam

 The MACC chief, whose contract ends on May 12, says his priority is not his personal legacy.

Azam Baki was appointed MACC chief commissioner in March 2020 before his contract was extended three times in 2023, 2024 and 2025. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Azam Baki says his imminent retirement as chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission will mark the start of a new beginning in his life.

Azam said government pensioners were an important asset who could still serve the country, adding that his priority was not his personal legacy, Berita Harian reported.

He said government pensioners were usually remembered for their contributions even after retiring from the civil service and urged fellow senior officers in MACC to view retirement as the beginning of a new and meaningful life.

He was speaking at an event held in Bangi, Selangor, to recognise and acknowledge the contributions of MACC personnel and former officers.

Azam is due to complete his term as MACC chief on May 12. His contract had been extended three times since his initial appointment in March 2020, with one-year extensions granted in May 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Several parties, including former economy minister Rafizi Ramli, had urged the government not to extend Azam’s tenure, citing allegations mentioned in a Bloomberg report in February.

Last month, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim said he would select a new MACC chief commissioner, putting to rest speculation over whether Azam’s contract would be extended for another year.

On April 25, it was announced that Abdul Halim Aman, a former High Court judge with nearly two decades of judicial experience and a long career in the legal service, would take over from Azam. - FMT