VETERAN journalist and blogger Datuk A. Kadir Jasin has interestingly painted the group photo of National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) advisory board members which comprised former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) head honcho Tan Sri Azam Baki in a sarcastic light.
Of the six members, five donned dark trousers, white (or off-white) shirts, dark jackets and black leather shoes – a fashion that reflects the semi-formal and relaxed Madani era.
“However, there’s one who seems to be out of sync. His attire isn’t the same as the five gentlemen who are pictured with him,” jibed the National Journalism laureate on his Facebook page.
He’s wearing casual trousers of the yellowish “slacks” type. Although his shirt and jacket are the same as the others, his shoes are the style for jogging or walking in the mall.
His attire gives the impression as if he was not planned for a photo session but was pulled in to sit together.
According to Kadir who in recent times has become a Madani critic, “many WhatsApp friends were surprised at Azam’s presence in the congregation of Madani government leaders”.
“Some were agitated while others were fuming,” recounted the former group editor-in-chief of mainstream New Straits Times.
“I can only laugh because I’m concur with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that this is a half-crazy era.”
Public objection
Thanks to Kadir’s subtle query and that of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin to name a few, NFCC has come forward to clarify that Azam’s membership on its advisory board is one of individual capacity.
“The appointment was made in his individual capacity with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a three-year period from Sept 20, 2024 till Sept 19, 2027,” NFCC pointed out in a media statement.
“Therefore, his presence at the NFCC’s advisory board meeting on June 30 is in accordance with Act 822 (National Anti-Financial Crime Centre Act 2019) given he’s a valid NFCC advisory board member.”
Editor’s Note: Azam completed his MACC stint on May 12 this year after his post-retirement contract was renewed thrice.
Earlier, Hamzah who is also the newly minted Parti Wawasan Negara president has demanded clarification from the Madani government on the so-called appointment of Azam Baki as a NFCC adviser.
According to the Larut MP, the appointment is questionable given the former graft buster’s involvement in several controversies, including allegations linked to a “corporate mafia” and company share ownership.
“I would like to ask the government what is the justification for appointing Azam as an adviser to the NFCC when he is facing issues that are under investigation?” Hamzah told a media conference in Parliament yesterday (July 2).
Elsewhere, a former PKR grassroot member has taken a swipe at the so-called Azam’s involvement in NFCC as “way off board” given “the advisory board chairman is the same person chairing the Commission of Inquiry into Azam Baki 
”.
“The NFCC director-general of is a former senior MACC officer who used to report to Azam Baki back in the day 
” mocked Madam K 
BERSAMA@MU (@oreo_koshka330) who is now a Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli-led Parti Bersama Malaysia member.
So … just forget about the RCI (Royal Commission of Inquiry) or the outcome of that Commission’s investigation. Looks like his (Azam’s) cronies are the ones in this NFCC,too.
This is how they enjoy wielding the temporary power they’ve right now. – Focus Malaysia
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