Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has given assurances that its mandate will not overlap with that of the newly established Ombudsman Malaysia in handling integrity and governance cases. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki stated that the agency's primary scope of work involves investigation and operations, along with public education and advocacy on integrity and governance.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azam Baki emphasized that the MACC's remit includes preventive measures and advising government departments on corruption and governance issues to facilitate reform. He acknowledged other departments and agencies, such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), that will work within the Ombudsman Malaysia framework, with further details to be announced later. He assured that there would be no overlap of powers, echoing the government's stance on the matter.
Earlier, Azam delivered a keynote address titled "Integrity is the Core of Leadership, Trust is the Foundation of Success" at the MACC-UiTM Inspiration 2025: Integrity and Leadership Day event held at Universiti Teknologi MARA Puncak Alam Campus. The event was also attended by UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr. Shahrin Sahib Sahibuddin.
Azam further noted that the MACC will fully cooperate in the drafting of the Malaysian Ombudsman Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament by the middle of next year. This announcement follows the statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the government's intent to establish a Malaysian Ombudsman to handle public complaints with a broad mandate covering maladministration, misconduct, whistleblower protection, and freedom of information.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that this development is a result of a key agreement reached during a meeting of the Cabinet Special Committee on National Governance, which he chairs. He reiterated that the initiative underscores the government's commitment to strengthening public rights and preserving public sector integrity.