The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must be loyal to the candidate chosen to replace its outgoing chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed, so long as the directives are according to the rules and law.

MACC strategic communications director Abdul Samat Kasah said that this was Abu Kassim's personal message to all the officers and staff.

"He (Abu Kassim) told us: You must be loyal to whoever leads the organisation.
"As long as the instructions are according to rules and law," Abdul Samat told Malaysiakini when met at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya today.

"We accept anybody who comes with open heart because at the end of the day it is about the organisation and the country," said Abdul Samat when asked for comments on speculations over Abu Kassim's replacement, including that the candidate may not be promoted from within their own ranks.

There were initial concerns raised that a replacement appointed from the Attorney-General's Chambers might compromise the continuity of anti-corruption efforts implemented and overall independence of the commission.

Among the names touted as the possible candidates include deputy inspector-general of police Noor Rashid Ibrahim and Dzulkifli Ahmad, a senior official with the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

But Noor Rashid has said he was not aware of any offer to appoint him as the next MACC chief.

However, his boss, Khalid Abu Bakar, who seems to have accepted the idea of Noor Rashid taking over, has said: "He is my able deputy. So, of course if the government thinks he is fit to head (MACC), why not ?"

Pressed for further comments, Abdul Samat said: "Every person will have his own leadership style.

"But for us, the legacy left behind by Abu Kassim is that 'you (staff) must do the right thing according to rules and law and think of how you can do it better'," he added.

Meanwhile, Abdul Samat also described Abu Kassim as a visionary and inspirational leader.

"Sometimes the officers felt like we cannot cope with his ideas but he would always push us to go further," said Abu Samat who recalled his experiences working with Abu Kassim, particularly in the process to transform the then Anti-Corruption Agency to the current MACC.

The MACC will be holding its official farewell for Abu Kassim later this afternoon.

Related reports

Farewell not for one, but three top MACC officers

MACC deputy chief targets Umno Youth leader in blistering farewell speech

Power, influence won't help alter God's judgement, Shukri tells AG, officials

AGC officer Dzulkifli Ahmad appointed as new MACC chief

New MACC chief experienced in money laundering-related crimes

MACC staff told to be loyal to incoming chief

Abu Kassim: Lawyer told me to keep quiet on 'plot' report

Cops record Khairul's statement over 'plot against PM'

Three ‘Tan Sris’ should have spoken out earlier