The government of Malaysia has named a former High Court judge as the new head of its anti-corruption agency in a significant leadership change aimed at restoring public confidence following months of political controversy surrounding the watchdog.
Former judge Abdul Halim Aman has been appointed to lead the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, with his tenure set to begin on May 13, immediately after the contract of outgoing chief Azam Baki expires.
Tensions have been building since February, when allies and critics of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim raised concerns over allegations involving Azam, including claims linked to a share ownership scandal and accusations that MACC officers were working alongside what was described as a “corporate mafia” to pressure businesses into commercial agreements.
Both Azam Baki and the MACC have denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations reported in the media as “malicious”.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the government said Abdul Halim’s appointment reflects confidence in his experience and integrity.
“The government is confident that with his wide experience and high integrity, he will be able to strengthen efforts to improve [the agency’s] management, raise public confidence and bolster the anti-corruption agenda,” it said, just hours before a protest was scheduled in Kuala Lumpur calling for Azam’s removal.
On Friday, Prime Minister Anwar confirmed that a shortlist of candidates had been submitted to Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, for consideration.
Anwar, who built his political career on anti-corruption advocacy before becoming prime minister in 2022, has faced growing scrutiny following Bloomberg reports in February alleging misconduct involving MACC personnel.
One of the reports claimed that certain senior MACC officials were either aware of or linked to a network accused of coercing corporate entities into share deals and business arrangements.
The prime minister has also established a special investigative committee led by government chief secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to examine separate allegations concerning Azam’s shareholdings and possible breaches of civil service regulations.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount from both supporters and critics of Anwar, many of whom have called for Azam’s immediate dismissal. Azam has been central to the government’s high-profile anti-corruption drive, which opponents argue has been selectively used against political rivals.
