SHAH ALAM - The continued presence of former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki on the National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC) Advisory Board has reignited political debate, with opposition leaders and parties seeking an explanation for his continued role despite retiring in May.
Critics argue that the appointment is inconsistent with the government's reform agenda, given the unresolved controversies surrounding Azam.
However, the NFCC, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Azam have maintained that his appointment was made independently of his former position as MACC chief commissioner and remains valid until 2027.
Why has Azam's NFCC role come under scrutiny?
Questions surfaced after photographs showed Azam attending an NFCC Advisory Board meeting, prompting politicians from both sides to ask why he continued serving in such a prominent position after retiring as MACC chief commissioner.
On July 2, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin urged the government to justify Azam's continued role.
"This is a good question that the government should answer.
"What is the justification for Azam being appointed as an advisory committee member of the NFCC, when he himself actually has problems that are currently being investigated on several issues?" he questioned.
Hamzah's remarks came after former Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu questioned Azam's participation in an NFCC advisory board meeting.
The criticism also revived earlier allegations involving Azam's shareholdings in publicly listed companies and claims that MACC officers had assisted businessmen in attempts to take control of listed firms in what has been described as the "corporate mafia" controversy.
Azam has consistently denied those allegations.
MCA Youth questions government's reform commitment
MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong Yew Chuan also questioned the reported appointment, arguing that it raises broader concerns about institutional reform.
"Reports that Azam has allegedly been appointed as an adviser to the NFCC are deeply concerning and require a clear explanation from the government.
"At a time when civil society groups and the public continue to call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the alleged ‘corporate mafia’ and Azam's purported links to the controversy, the reported appointment has sparked fresh concerns.
“It raises questions about the government's commitment to accountability, transparency and institutional integrity. The battle against graft cannot be selective or based on political convenience.
“Principles of integrity and accountability must be upheld consistently, regardless of who is involved,” he said.
Chong called for greater transparency over the reported appointment, saying that if the reports are accurate and the appointment is legitimate, the government should openly explain the process, criteria and justification behind the decision.
He added that if no such appointment exists, the government should instead explain why it continues to reject calls for an independent investigation. According to Chong, Malaysians deserve openness and transparency from the government.
"Malaysians do not want silence or decisions made behind closed doors. They deserve transparency, accountability and answers that can withstand public scrutiny.
“Only transparent engagement could restore public confidence in anti-corruption institutions,” he emphasised.
Muda also demands answers
Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz similarly questioned the appointment, saying Azam had supposedly retired but remained in an influential position.
She outlined the NFCC's responsibilities, saying it advises the Prime Minister on financial crime, determines strategic direction, makes decisions relating to financial crime and serves as a bridge between the centre and government agencies.
Amira then questioned the rationale behind Azam's continued role.
"My first question is this: how can someone who has been linked to controversies involving share ownership and alleged ‘corporate mafia’ scandals be appointed as an adviser to the NFCC, an organisation dealing with financial crime?
"He is, after all, still under investigation. His name has not been cleared, yet he is now advising others?
Secondly, I want to know who appointed Azam as an adviser to the NFCC. Was it Anwar who appointed him, despite it being said that he had already retired?
"I therefore call on all the parties that make up the Madani government today to answer these questions. Do not all hide behind the Prime Minister,” she stressed.
She also urged candidates contesting the Johor state election to raise the issue and question how Azam was appointed as an adviser to NFCC, instead of remaining silent and acting as though nothing had happened.
NFCC explains appointment was made in personal capacity
On July 3, NFCC director-general Datuk Seri Shamshun Baharin Jamil clarified that Azam was not appointed because he was MACC chief commissioner.
Instead, he said Azam joined the advisory board in his personal capacity after receiving the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, effective Sept 20, 2024.
According to Shamshun, Azam's three-year term runs until Sept 19, 2027.
"His membership on the NFCC advisory board is not tied to his previous post as MACC chief commissioner and remains in effect until the end of his tenure, unless the Agong terminates it earlier,” he clarified.
The advisory board is chaired by Attorney-General Tan Sri Dusuki Mokhtar and also includes Shamshun, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Ismail, Inland Revenue Board chief executive officer Abu Tariq Jamaludin and Bank Negara Malaysia deputy governor Marzunisham Omar.
Anwar says only the King can end appointment
The Prime Minister also addressed the controversy on July 3, stressing that the appointment was made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"The appointment ends in 2027 and only the King can revoke it. It has nothing to do with the MACC chief commissioner,” he told reporters after Friday prayers today.
Azam says appointment predates his retirement
Azam himself rejected suggestions that he had only recently been appointed following his retirement.
"I was not appointed yesterday! My appointment is at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister.
“I was initially appointed in 2020 to serve from March 2021 until March 2024 during the administration of former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. My tenure was extended under Anwar from September 2024 to September 2027.
"I advise those who are questioning my appointment to get clarification from me or the NFCC,” he mentioned.
He added that Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali also possesses details relating to the appointment, which he said was made in accordance with Section 5 of the NFCC Act 2019.
Azam also defended his continued service.
"Notwithstanding my position as Chief Commissioner of the MACC, my appointment to the Advisory Board is also due to my vast experience in investigations and enforcement in corruption and financial crimes both domestically and cross border crimes,” he added.
Although the NFCC, Anwar and Azam have all insisted the appointment remains legally valid until 2027, opposition parties and political leaders continue pressing the government for greater transparency, arguing that the issue goes beyond legality and concerns public confidence in Malaysia's institutional reform agenda.