After Macc S Fame Over Sabah Zaid Moots Option For Reformist Pm

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Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has taken a swipe at the MACC, claiming it has gained “world-famous” notoriety for its handling of the Sabah corruption scandal.
He suggested that Malaysia adopt Indonesia’s anti-corruption model but questioned whether Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would be willing to make such a bold move.
“Friends from many places have called me, frustrated that our anti-corruption agency found nothing to implicate Sabah politicians - despite extensive video footage and statements from a whistleblower,” Zaid (above) wrote in a Facebook post.
One such friend, “Herman” from Surabaya, Indonesia, told Zaid that Malaysia’s only hope in tackling high-level corruption lies in overhauling how the MACC chief commissioner is appointed.
He explained that in Indonesia, the president forms a selection panel comprising respected, long-serving community members, including police officials.
This panel invites applicants - both from the public and within the system - to submit their names and CVs.
After rigorous interviews, the panel shortlists candidates and submits them to the president, who must then seek parliamentary approval for the final appointment.
Zaid challenged Anwar to consider a similar reform.
“Will our ‘reformist’ PM take this bold step?
“Or will he stick to appointing whomever he likes, maintain bloated oversight committees, and keep the MACC unchanged?” he asked.
MACC chief commissioner Azam BakiPreviously, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki stated that the “edited” videos implicating Sabah politicians in a corruption scandal could not be used for investigation or prosecution.
The videos were released by a businessperson who claimed to have given bribes to several assemblypersons in exchange for mineral exploration licences.
The whistleblower also disclosed a trove of WhatsApp messages and other documents related to the purported transactions.
Before coming to power, Anwar and his Pakatan Harapan coalition were critical of Azam, even suggesting that he would be investigated.
However, his contract was later extended.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has described the videos as an attempt to undermine his state government and suggested that the whistleblower is working with those with vested interests. - Mkini

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