FORMER law minister Zaid Ibrahim criticised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s defense of reappointing Azam Baki as MACC chief commissioner, arguing that Anwar misjudged the qualities needed for the role.
Zaid dismissed Anwar’s claim that Azam is the “bravest” candidate, stating that courage is not the key metric.
Instead, he suggested that the role requires someone “suitable, comfortable, or amenable.”
He highlighted the immense powers of the MACC chief, such as freezing accounts for 90 days without court orders, remanding suspects easily, and compelling asset declarations without specifying offenses,
Zaid even compared Azam’s influence to that of former FBI chief Herbert Hoover.
“The correct words are suitable, comfortable or amenable. The job does not need bravery or courage,” Zaid continued.
He noted that the MACC chief’s job security depends on the prime minister’s favor and described the position as lucrative and desirable.
Anwar was urged not to frame Azam’s reappointment as a matter of bravery.
This comes amid backlash, including from Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah, over Azam’s third term, despite Anwar’s claim that Azam has shown “extraordinary courage” in tackling high-level corruption.
“Azam has immense powers to freeze accounts for 90 days. That’s a long time. It can destroy businesses and families without any court order, remand suspects with little difficulty, and compel asset declarations without telling you what predicate offence they are investigating,” Zaid warned.
“MACC’s job security depends entirely on how the prime minister feels about your prioritisation of cases. It’s a lucrative, cushy job, and many people are willing to have it. So please don’t say there is no one braver than Azam,” he added. —May 25, 2025
Main image: Utusan Malaysia
