The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) hosted a farewell function for its chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed and his two deputies this afternoon.

The banner placed outside MACC's headquarters in Putrajaya today, however, also confirmed initial rumours on the departure of MACC deputy commissioner (operations) Mohd Shukri Abdull and MACC deputy commissioner (prevention) Mustafar Ali.

It is understood that Shukri has also retired from service.

Chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa in a statement later announced Mustafa's appointment as the new Immigration Department director-general effective Aug 1.

Mustafa will replace Sakib Kusmi who has been transferred to the Public Service Department (JPA).

At the same time, Ali also confirmed the appointment of Dzulkifli Ahmad, a senior officer with the Attorney-General's Chambers, as Abu Kassim's replacement.

Abu Kassim, meanwhile, will continue to serve as an anti-corruption service officer until his mandatory retirement in 2020.

He is offering his expertise in anti-corruption as an integrity consultant attached to Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara's law faculty.

Abu Kassim will also remain vice-president of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities and a member of the Board of Governance of the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria until the expiry of the terms of office.

Term cut short

In his farewell speech, Abu Kassim urged his officers today to support his successor, despite the appointment being made from outside their own ranks.

Without naming Dzulkifli, Abu Kassim said support was very much needed for the person heading the anti-graft commission as otherwise it would be very difficult for the commission to move forward.

He was initially to serve as MACC commissioner until 2018 but his term was unexpectedly cut short by two years.

The farewell function today was attended by over 1,000 MACC officers and staff from across the country.

In his opening speech, MACC deputy commissioner (management and professionalism) Mohd Jamidan Abdullah credited the trio as "warriors" who had led the commission's transformation agenda.

"Contributions of these three 'pillars' in leading the commission and their commitment to the government's efforts to implement corruption prevention strategies are very much appreciated by not only MACC staff, but also the government, other civil servants, politicians, civil society and the people in general," said Jamidan.

In an official press statement, the MACC also confirmed the departures and commended the trio for their contributions to the commission.

MACC bids farewell to trio

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