Abu Kassim Mohamed has been sworn in as the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner today.

macc official launch 240209 abu kassim The 48-year-old top graft buster has received his appointment letter from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the Istana Terengganu in Kuala Lumpur.

Abdu Kassim left the palace without talking to waiting journalists at about 10.40am.

Abu Kassim replaces Ahmad Said Hamdan, who submitted a written notice to have his contract of service shortened from May 25, 2010 to Dec 31, 2009.

Among those present at the swearing-in included Ahmad Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz and Inspector-General of Police Musa Hasssan.

MACC's tainted reputation

The new chief commissioner inherits an agency whose reputation was severely tainted following the death of DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock last year.

The commission has also been criticised for allegedly practicing double standards when it comes to investigating Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat politicians.

Abu Kassim has a Bachelor of Social Science degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the Michigan State University, United States.

He joined the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) on Sept 1, 1984 as an investigation officer. ACA was later renamed as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission last year.

Abu Kassim also served as director of planning and policy coordinator at the ACA headquarters, ACA director for Perak and Penang, director of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy and was seconded to Amanah Raya Berhad as its head of Integrity.

He was appointed deputy director-general (operations) of the ACA on Jan 1, 2001 and with the enforcement of the new Act on Jan 1, 2009, he was appointed deputy chief commissioner of MACC.