PAS glad Azam vindicated following extension of his contract

Azam Baki has finally been vindicated following his contract extension as MACC chief, said PAS.

In a statement today, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said PAS had always believed Azam's denial over allegations of amassing wealth beyond his means.

"PAS believes that his service extension proves that we were correct and vindicates Azam and the MACC from irresponsible people with vested interest," said Takiyuddin (above).

Noting that Azam's service was extended despite reaching mandatory retirement age, he said this proved he was an effective graft buster.

Yesterday, the government announced that Azam's term as MACC chief has been extended by a year, effective May 12.

MACC chief Azam Baki

He was appointed in 2020 during the Muhyiddin Yassin administration. Two years later, he denied allegations that he had amassed a large number of shares and warrants in a public-listed company.

Following this, he claimed that there was no conflict of interest or violation of rules because the shares were acquired by his brother who borrowed his trading account.

This explanation was rejected by some DAP and PKR leaders at the time.

In the run-up to the 2022 general election, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli even threatened to "look for" Azam if Pakatan Harapan forms the federal government.

However, after Harapan came to power he clarified that he did not threaten to go after Azam.