Report Azam Poised For Hat Trick Extension Under Anwar

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to approve another extension - his third since taking office - for Azam Baki to continue serving as the head of MACC, according to financial news outlet Bloomberg.
ADSCiting sources familiar with the matter who requested anonymity, Bloomberg reported that Azam (above, right), 62, is set to receive a six-month extension following the end of his current term in May.
“The announcement is likely to be made in early May, the people said, adding the plan may change.
“Anwar has discussed with officials that giving Azam a full-year extension may fuel criticism of the government, one of the people said,” read the report, noting that Azam and MACC have come under intense criticism from various quarters
The article also highlighted that under Azam’s leadership, the MACC has taken action against political adversaries of Anwar, including the family of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the late former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.
However, it noted that the commission did not act on a complaint made by a politician regarding share purchases involving one of Anwar’s allies.
‘Quid pro quo’
“Four people familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential matters, said at the time that both MACC officials and political allies of the prime minister were under the impression that the two men had reached an understanding - Azam would have his term extended as MACC chief commissioner in return for taking action against Anwar’s opponents.
“Azam and Anwar denied they had an understanding and said the MACC operates independently of the prime minister,” it added.
Bloomberg said that the Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to queries regarding the potential extension, while the MACC declined to comment.
In the lead-up to the last general election, Anwar and other Pakatan Harapan leaders had frequently criticised Azam.
Economy Minister Rafizi RamliAmong them was Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, who pledged to haul up Azam if the then-opposition coalition won the polls.
The PKR deputy president had accused Azam of perpetrating what he called political persecution after it raided his data firm, Invoke Solutions Sdn Bhd twice.
Azam has also come under fire from his predecessor Latheefa Koya over his handling of the Sabah corruption scandal. - Mkini

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