JOINT PRESS STATEMENT
24 APRIL 2026
As the current tenure of Azam Baki as Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) approaches its conclusion, we, the undersigned civil society organisations (CSOs), call for urgent reform of the appointment process that ensures meaningful Parliamentary oversight.
Public concern over the existing appointment process has been longstanding and consistent, and must be taken seriously by the government. Given the critical national importance of the MACC Chief Commissioner, the role and agency must be independent – not just in practice but also in perception – from the Executive branch. This necessitates a process that is transparent, accountable, and anchored in democratic oversight. Without structural reform, and so long as the appointment remains determined solely by the Executive, the independence of the MACC will remain compromised.
Existing appointment process flawed and non-independent from the Executive
The appointment process for the MACC Chief Commissioner has long been subject to criticism. Section 5(1) of the MACC Act 2009 provides that the Chief Commissioner is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister. Article 40 of the Federal Constitution further provides that such advice is binding.
In effect, this places decisive control over the appointment in the hands of the Prime Minister. Given the scale of authority exercised by the MACC – including powers of investigation, search and seizure, and arrest – this concentration of influence raises serious concerns about institutional independence.
These concerns are not merely theoretical. Allegations of selective or politically motivated investigations have surfaced in recent years, including reports in 2024 by Bloomberg alleging executive influence in MACC investigations involving prominent political figures. Regardless of the outcome of such claims, their existence underscores the risks inherent in the current structure.
Azam Baki’s tenure marked by persistent controversy
The tenure of the current Chief Commissioner Azam Baki has been marked by repeated controversy. This includes the 2021 shareholding issue, subsequent legal action against an independent journalist, and more recent allegations reported internationally regarding links between MACC personnel and corporate mafia networks.
Despite sustained criticism from civil society, opposition parties, and members of the government, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has extended his tenure multiple times. These developments have further eroded public confidence in both the MACC and the integrity of its leadership.
Concentration of discretion poses systemic risks
At this juncture, it is critical to emphasise that meaningful reform cannot be achieved by shifting appointment power from one individual to another – whether within the Executive or otherwise. Concentrating such discretion in any single actor risks replicating the same structural weaknesses – risks of abuse, arbitrariness, and perceived bias. Reform efforts must therefore go beyond reallocating discretion from one actor to another.
Instead, the solution lies in institutionalising a process that distributes power and embeds accountability through Parliament.
To achieve this, the undersigned civil society organisations strongly urge the Malaysian government to:
- Immediately establish a Parliamentary Special Select Committee dedicated to overseeing the reform of the MACC, which includes the vetting and proposal of candidates for the MACC Chief Commissioner;
- Establish a clear plan of action to reform the MACC, providing assurances that power is taken away from the Executive by involving Parliament;
- Codify transparent, merit-based criteria for the appointment of the Chief Commissioner, including integrity, independence, and relevant expertise.
END OF STATEMENT
Issued by (Organisations):
- The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center)
- CSO Platform for Reform
Endorsed by (Organisations):
- BERSIH
- Rasuah Busters
- Project Stability and Accountability for Malaysia (Projek SAMA)
