Zaid: It should be 'Undur Anwar', not 'Undur Azam'

Summary

• Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim says an upcoming rally opposing the MACC chief commissioner’s reappointment should be targeted at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim instead.

• He points out that even leaders from Anwar’s party disagree with the decision to retain Azam Baki, showing that ‘reformasi’ is in retreat.

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has criticised the protest movement opposing the reappointment of MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, saying it is misdirected.

He argued that the Sekretariat Undur Azam Baki (Step Down Azam Baki Secretariat) is targeting the wrong individual and should instead channel its ire at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“The protest should be ‘Undur Anwar’ (Step Down Anwar). No fault of Azam’s if the PM thinks he deserves countless extensions,” he told Malaysiakini.

Zaid said Azam’s third contract extension under Anwar, whose Pakatan Harapan coalition was once vocally critical of the MACC chief, exemplifies how the much-touted “reformasi” has itself “undur” (retreated) under the Madani government.

“If you don’t believe me, ask Anwar’s daughter or his deputy in PKR,” he said, referring to Nurul Izzah Anwar and Rafizi Ramli, respectively.

Nurul Izzah had described Azam’s contract extension as “unwelcome”, while Rafizi admitted he could not openly oppose it due to his position in the cabinet.

Previously, Zaid had asked how Anwar intended to convince the public about Azam’s contract extension and address the trust deficit towards MACC if his own daughter disagreed with it.

Rally wants Azam removed, MACC reformed

Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that the gathering against Azam would be held at Dataran Merdeka on May 24.

The movement said the gathering serves as a platform for the rakyat to voice their opposition to Azam’s continued leadership of the anti-graft agency, while also demanding comprehensive institutional reform of the MACC.

Azam, 62, has held the position since March 9, 2020, succeeding Latheefa Koya, and was reappointed in May 2023 and May 2024.

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