Azam says no plans for politics, won't join rallies at Sogo

Outgoing MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said today that he has no immediate plans to enter politics, adding with a touch of sarcasm that he would not be joining any rallies outside the Sogo Complex, a well-known gathering point for protesters in the city.

He said he can instead pursue a range of activities, including sports, Sinar Harian reported.

"I have no plans as yet, as I am still in good health. I can go jogging, cycling, and so forth.

"So I shall not be gathering at Sogo anytime soon," he told reporters in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

Azam added that he has no political ambitions because he is a government officer who wishes to serve the people.

Gratitude for multiple extensions

Azam thanked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for having extended his service contract thrice.

He also expressed confidence that the anti-graft agency will continue to excel under his newly announced successor, Abdul Halim Aman, who assumes the post on May 13.

In May last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended Azam's term renewal as MACC chief, citing his boldness in pursuing high-level corruption cases involving wealthy and titled individuals.

Addressing criticisms at the PKR national congress in May last year, Anwar was unconvinced a new appointee would show the same resolve, and criticised detractors for not supporting MACC’s actions.

His daughter and PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah had also criticised Azam's tenure extension, calling it unwelcome.

This morning, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar consented to the appointment of Halim, a former High Court judge.

The decision comes after Anwar yesterday presented a proposal for the appointment of a new top anti-graft officer to the king.

Gobind wants new chief to get cracking

In a statement earlier, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo called on Halim to narrow his focus on the “corporate mafia” saga, as well as the company shareholding scandal involving Azam.

The Damansara MP said Halim must outline his vision for the commission and present a clear roadmap of the specific reforms he intends to implement to safeguard the MACC’s independence and prevent future abuses of power.

This is important to restore public confidence in the anti-graft agency, which has found itself shrouded in power abuse and misconduct allegations, Gobind explained.

Since a special committee led by Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhar to probe Azam's shareholding issue has already presented its findings to the cabinet, he urged for the decisions to be finalised quickly.

Over a month after findings by an investigation committee tasked with probing Azam's shareholding issue were tabled to the cabinet, Putrajaya has yet to be informed of any potential action against the nation’s top graft buster.

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