Azam Baki pledges to uphold public trust in third term as MACC chief, says he aims to leave a legacy of success, not failure.

PUTRAJAYA, May 25 — After over 40 years of service with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Tan Sri Azam Baki says he never sought accolades or public recognition for his work.

For Azam, what matters most is fulfilling his duty with integrity and sincerity. He views the role of MACC Chief Commissioner not as a platform for personal glory, but as a responsibility that must be carried out with unwavering commitment.

“I never expected to be remembered, let alone leave behind a legacy. What’s important is that my conscience is clear and the path I leave is untainted,” he said in a recent exclusive interview with Bernama.

Azam, 62, began his career with the then Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) in 1984 as a Grade 29 officer, equivalent to a police inspector. Since then, he has risen through the ranks based on a philosophy of performing his duties without waiting for instructions or praise.

An alumnus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Malaya, and Asia E-University, Azam credits perseverance, commitment and determination — values instilled during his early education — as guiding principles in his fight against corruption.

“I don’t wish to be remembered for failure. I’ve never been driven by rank or title. I only hope no one will say I left behind something negative,” he said.

He added that he is open to criticism and dialogue, believing that leadership should be judged not by popularity, but by the values one upholds.

Azam also shared that his leadership style was inspired by national figures like the late Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman and the first ACA Director-General, Tan Sri Harun Hashim, both of whom he credits for shaping his views on integrity and service.

During his tenure, Azam has focused on strengthening MACC’s internal capabilities — not just in investigation but also in communication and professionalism. He encouraged officers to speak confidently and avoid slang or code-switching, highlighting the importance of clear, credible communication.

Azam also introduced Intelligence-Based Investigation (IBI) techniques to enhance the commission’s ability to detect and recover assets from high-profile corruption cases.

“My goal is for the MACC to be seen not only as an enforcement agency but as a respected institution grounded in discipline and excellence,” he said.

Since becoming Chief Commissioner in 2020, Azam has implemented numerous capacity-building programmes, including training in public speaking and strategic leadership.

On his reappointment for a third term effective May 13, 2025, Azam expressed gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and the government for entrusting him with continued leadership of the MACC.

“This is a responsibility I must carry with honour. My vision has always been to build a corps of capable officers who can match global standards,” he said.

Over the years, Azam has held various senior roles in the MACC, including Director of the Intelligence Division, Director of the Investigation Division, and Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations). — Bernama