KUALA LUMPUR – The Anwar Ibrahim government announced on April 25 that former High Court judge Halim Aman will replace Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki when his contract ends on May 12, prompting hundreds to rally in the city center demanding his arrest and deeper reforms.
The move confirms earlier reports of Azam’s ouster amid scandals, including Bloomberg’s February probe alleging he breached shareholding rules and MACC collusion with businessmen in a “corporate mafia” scheme. Protesters braved rain at Independence Square, chanting “long live the people” and “rise, people,” while waving placards for MACC integrity. Bersih coalition chief Faisal Aziz called it a potential “starting point” for national renewal after the peaceful two-hour demonstration.
Prime Minister Anwar, speaking in Penang, praised 69-year-old Halim, whose career spans judiciary, federal counsel, and state legal roles, as an apolitical pick to boost MACC capabilities. It’s the first time a judge has led the agency. Outgoing Azam expressed confidence in his team’s continuity.
Yet calls for accountability persist. DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo urged Halim to tackle “corporate mafia” allegations and Azam’s shareholding controversies to rebuild trust. Ruling PKR’s Rafizi Ramli, a vocal Anwar critic after losing a party post in tainted 2025 polls, joined the rally, vowing to amplify victims’ voices against connected elites.
Civil society, opposition, and even DAP and PKR lawmakers decry unfulfilled reforms like parliamentary vetting of MACC chiefs, a 2022 PH election pledge and separating prosecution from the attorney-general. DAP’s poor Sabah poll showing fueled internal pressure, advancing their congress to July for a coalition review. Anwar has dismissed scandals as a Zionist conspiracy threatening security, with police probing it as subversion.