Malaysia’s Anwar defends extending ‘brave’ anti-corruption chief’s term

Azam Baki’s team was the first one to dare investigate all the influential bigwigs and politicians, Anwar says

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended an extension of the anti-corruption agency head’s tenure, saying Azam Baki has been brave in going after powerful figures allegedly embroiled in corruption and abuse of power.

Azam’s term as chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was lengthened by a year starting May 13, the third extension since he turned 60 years old.

He is also the first head of the agency to have his employment prolonged beyond the mandatory retirement age, stoking public debate about Anwar’s pledges to improve Malaysia’s governance.

“I don’t deny there has been a lot of criticism,” Anwar said in a speech at his political party’s national Congress on Friday.

“But believe me, looking at MACC over the past decades, this is the first time they’ve been brave enough to investigate all the big ‘taukehs’,” he said, referring to billionaire tycoons and politically-influential individuals.

The prime minister said that while he could replace Azam, he was not confident anyone else would dare to upset those holding wealth and power.

Under Azam, the MACC opened investigations into at least three of Anwar’s adversaries and their families – including former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The MACC has recently come under fire for the kidnapping of a witness. Pamela Ling was abducted in broad daylight by people in police uniform last month while on her way to give evidence to the anti-corruption body.