Outgoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki has said he does not intend to fade into the background after stepping down from office, insisting he will continue contributing to national discussions on governance and anti-corruption.
Azam, who is set to retire on May 13 after 42 years of service with the former Anti-Corruption Agency (BPR) and later MACC, said he plans to remain engaged by sharing his experience and views when necessary.
“I will continue contributing whatever I can to the country and society,” he said during an MACC podcast session. “If the time comes and I feel I need to speak, I will continue to give constructive opinions.”
He stressed that retirement should not be viewed as the end of productivity, adding that individuals should continue contributing to society in different ways.
Azam also ruled out any move into politics or business after leaving the commission, saying neither field suited him. However, he said he intended to remain active in sports and focus on maintaining his health.
“People in hospital do not want millions of ringgit anymore. They just want good health,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Azam said MACC must continue adopting a “bold and radical” approach in tackling corruption, particularly involving procurement abuse and systemic leakages in public administration.
He said public expectations of MACC had grown significantly, with the agency often judged on high-profile enforcement actions.
“After one arrest, people ask who is next. That is the brand and expectation surrounding MACC,” he said.
Azam acknowledged that meeting such expectations had been one of the most challenging aspects of his leadership, adding that public perception and social media narratives were difficult to manage.
“We cannot stop perception, whether positive or negative,” he said.
He also advised MACC officers to remain focused on their core duties and not be distracted by criticism or online attacks.
“I always remind my officers not to waste time on petty things. Focus on the bigger mission,” he said.
Azam further warned against arrogance within enforcement leadership, stressing that success in such agencies required teamwork and continuous transformation.
He added that organisational reforms must be ongoing, as strategies that were effective in the past may no longer be relevant today.
In his final days in office, Azam said he continued to direct action against problematic officers to ensure no unresolved issues were left for his successor.
