Kuala lumpur: The leadership in enforcement agencies requires courage and a willingness to make difficult decisions without being swayed by criticism, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azam conveyed that over more than four decades in anti-corruption enforcement, he has come to realise that the job often leaves a person with more enemies than friends. He emphasized that staying passive is not an option in enforcement roles, and one must be brave enough to make decisions even if they draw criticism. He shared these insights in an exclusive meeting with media practitioners recently.
Azam, who is set to retire on May 12, reflected on how his experience since joining the MACC in 1984 has been shaped by continuous learning, information sharing, and exposure to operations and administration. He stressed the significance of having a vision, asserting that without it, leadership is not viable.
Azam also pointed out one of the biggest challenges in enforcement: ensuring that investigations and enforcement actions remain effective in addressing increasingly complex forms of corruption and abuse of power. He noted that no organisation in the world is free from problems, including developed countries, and highlighted the importance of consistently addressing issues such as cartels, abuse of power, and system weaknesses.
He defended the anti-graft body's investigations into high-profile political figures, including former prime ministers Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He stated that these investigations were based on credible information and proper procedures, despite public criticism. Azam maintained a firm stance that anyone guilty, irrespective of their position, must be charged.
Azam also emphasized the inseparability of accountability from enforcement duties, indicating that responsibility is inherent in every appointment and should not be evaded. He called for a more proactive, intelligence-led approach to strengthen anti-corruption investigations, especially in cases involving organised networks and high-profile individuals.
Additionally, he noted the challenges in investigating corruption cases, which often involve small groups that protect each other, making detection more difficult than conventional crimes. He advocated for broader cooperation from professionals across various fields to enhance investigations and analytical capacities.