Azam Baki Mocked For Taking So Long To Realise He Has Many Haters Overstayed His Welcome

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DETRACTORS have seemingly sighed relief that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) head honcho Tan Sri Azam has hinted at “finally retiring”, citing being disliked by many, particularly former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli who has emerged his biggest critic.
But this does not stop them from further trolling the graft buster’s chief commissioner as to why it took him three contract extensions at the recommendation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim past his mandatory retirement age to have come to such realisation.
In his address at the MACC–UiTM Inspira 2025: Hari Integriti & Kepimpinan programme at UiTM Puncak Alam yesterday (Dec 11), Azam who is also an adjunct professor at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) admitted that his contract extension has drawn criticism from some quarters.



















At the core of criticism levelled at Azam is his “yes man” to the Madani government perception to silence political enemies via unjust persecution while granting leniency to cronies with the best example being Deputy PM Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) from 47 prima facie corruption charges.
It is little wonder that a cross-section of public reaction to Malay language news portal Malaysia Gazette’s Facebook post told the 62-year-old Negeri Sembilan-born Azam who began helming MACC in 2020 during the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration of Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin “better still to just step down today”.

“If already know many people don’t like you, it’s better to resign immediately. Why burden your brain to shoulder the public ridiculing you,” advised one sensible commenter.
“After all, you already have a pension … In fact, you’ve more than enough money to lead a lavish life.”
Another literally rubbed salt into the wound by reminding Azam that it does not benefit the society whatsoever by virtue of him just be a “Mr Yes Sir” person.
“The faster you buzz off the better … Imagine being insulted by the public day in day out … At least, have some pity for your wife and children who have to endure this (public insults).”
One commenter even offered “a resignation letter template for FREE if you want to resign tomorrow” while another wanted to know “the secrets of getting three contract extensions”.

One commenter pointedly recounted how the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) government could make a U-turn from their uproar against Azam prior to the 15th General Election (GE15) to have suddenly developed a liking for the latter.


To re-cap, the very fact that ex-PKR No. 2 Rafizi has lent his voice to the opposition by questioning the likelihood of fourth contract extension for Azam next year has truly rocked the latter’s already precarious public perception.
Not only that the Pandan MP is deemed privy to the inner workings of the Madani machinery, Rafizi has expressed unsurmountable doubt on the desire of the Madani administration to fight corruption by attributing PH’s trouncing in the recent 17th Sabah state polls to voters’ disappointment with the outcome of reforms.

Below is some of Rafizi’s stinging takeaway:
This perception is confirmed by the statistics of corruption cases that ended in convictions.
The percentage of those accused compared to investigation papers opened decreased from 56% in 2020 to 39% in 2024.
Convictions also decreased from 300 cases equivalent to 36% of investigation papers ending in convictions in 2021 compared to 2024 with only 256 convictions which is 22% of successful convictions.
Furthermore, there are high-profile cases that end with DNAA or cases that are dropped or the accused is released after paying a compound.
At the end of the day, as a commenter to the Malaysia Gazette’s FB post aptly put it, “If you’ve been transparent throughout your service, you will be praised. If not, accept the consequences. Being honest, disciplined and responsible is important.” 

 - Focus Malaysia

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