(Kuala Lumpur, 26th) Parti Gerakan National President Datuk Liu Hua Cai emphasized that the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is not only a senior law enforcement position, but also a key figure in upholding the nation’s integrity. The public places great expectations on the new Chief Commissioner, Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman.
He hopes the latter can strengthen the internal accountability mechanisms of the MACC, and rebuild public trust in the commission.
"Of course, the expectations of the people are not limited to this. We hope that the MACC can carry out a comprehensive, transparent, fair, and unbiased investigation into the Azam Baki shareholding incident. More importantly, the MACC must break free from government restraints and must never become a political tool of the government. Only then can the commission defend its independence."
In a statement, he emphasized that most importantly, the appointment of the MACC Chief should go through a parliamentary process, and be open and transparent. "Back then, (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Anwar called on the people to push for reforms, but after taking office in Putrajaya, he lost his reformist resolve and betrayed his promises to voters. Today, only the people are left defending reform and democracy."
He said that everyone should be equal before the law, yet the government led by Anwar seems, intentionally or unintentionally, to be shielding Azam Baki. Abdul Halim has the responsibility to restore the role of the MACC, enforcing the law impartially, without party bias or double standards.
Liu Hua Cai pointed out that at the end of 2021, the issue of Azam Baki holding millions in shares broke out but was later claimed to be a baseless accusation. At the time, Anwar insisted that reforms must be made, but at the PKR Congress, he defended the extension of Azam Baki’s tenure. "Now, history repeats itself. Anwar is once again evading the issue."
He stated that law enforcement and judicial units have their own undeniable independence, and the new Chief Commissioner must have the ability to promote substantive institutional reforms, maintain political neutrality and "color-blindness", dare to handle major corruption cases, and remain independent in the face of those in power or privilege, including the outgoing Azam Baki.