Malaysia anti-graft chief’s 2nd term extension draws flak and questions over Anwar reforms

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to again extend the tenure of controversial anti-graft chief Azam Baki has courted criticism amid growing concerns over corruption in Malaysia.that Datuk Seri Anwar’s administration has failed to deliver on – to replace the prime minister’s discretion to appoint the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission head with a more transparent process.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, in his role as Cabinet spokesman on May 15, acknowledged the right to express such concerns. “But at the same time, there are several considerations made by Prime Minister Anwar in making this decision,” he said without detailing them. Mr Azam’s one-year extension came despite claims by activists and opposition figures of selective prosecution and abuse of power deepening in the past year. An Ipsos poll in March showed that 47 per cent of Malaysians felt the country was heading in the wrong direction, compared with 26 per cent in January 2023, with corruption cited as the main concern.

Tun Dr Mahathir dismissed the investigations as “political” in a May 10 interview with The Straits Times, pointing to how months had passed but “they haven’t questioned me”.

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