Has Azam Baki Overstayed His Welcome Should He Oblige If Pmx S Offers A 3rd Extension

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THERE seems to be a rapid U-turn after Bloomberg aired the likelihood of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim going against public opinion by dishing out a further six-month extension to the services of Malaysia’s graft buster head Tan Sri Azam Baki when his current term ends in May.
In all fairness, the financial news portal has caveated its report that “the plan may change”. As it is, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner who turns 62 on May 12 has already had his term extended twice by one year.
Above all else, he has already broken the Malaysian civil service norm by having his term extended beyond the mandatory retirement age.
Nevertheless, the speculation over Azam’s future was short-lived as PMX who is also the Finance Minister shot down Bloomberg’s speculation of a third extension to Azam’s tenure, thus giving rise to another likelihood which is testing the waters or simply a gauge of Azam’s popularity.
“I will announce it when it has been decided. Let’s see when his contract is due to end. His term has not ended yet,” PMX told the media in a somehow non-affirmative tone after Friday prayers at Masjid Prima Saujana in Kajang yesterday (April 4).
“I’m not sure when the extension will be. Has his contract ended.”
Surely, it wouldn’t be a stroll in the park this time around for a third extension even though for a short six-month period judging from the speed at which detractors pounced on the Bloomberg report.
“Before becoming a government, the call was to arrest Azam Baki (who was appointed on March 9, 2020 during the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration),” slammed pro-opposition Naratif Rakyat  (@NaratifRakyat) in response to the Bloomberg report.

“After becoming the government, Azam Baki’s tenure has been extended thrice (in 2023, 2024 and the current unconfirmed six-month extension).”
Added Naratif Rakyat: “If Azam Baki is truly qualified, why was he so thoroughly criticised in the past? If he was once considered to have no integrity, why is he now good enough to be appointed three times?”

Reacting to PMX’s denial of the Bloomberg article and a statement by controversial investigative entity Edisi Siasat, fellow opposition-slant keyboard warrior mahazalimreturn (@mahazalimreturn) remarked that he is keeping a close eye if PMX were to extend Azam’s tenure despite having issued a denial.

Another pro-opposition backer reckoned that PMX could be extending Azam’s term for another two years “till 2027 which is the end of his premiership term”.
“Azam can definitely help Anwar achieve his dream and remain as PM , “ she responded to a Malaysiakini report that there has been no decision yet with regard to Azam’s contract extension.
“People cannot object to Azam being given three MACC chief commissioner’s contract extensions by Anwar … Later the police patrol car will show up in front of their house. Hidup Reformasi. ”


Whatever PMX’s decision is, a netizen expressed hope that he accords others in the MACC a chance to fill up Azam’s position.

“Such is an opportunity to restore the image and people’s confidence in the MACC which was damaged due to allegations that he (Azam) traded shares using his younger brother’s name,” justified the netizen.
“The head of the MACC must be someone with a clean track record and with no baggage/controversies.” –  Focus Malaysia

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