NFCC Says Azam Baki’s Appointment Remains Valid Until 2027 Despite Public Scrutiny
KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The National Financial Crime Prevention Centre (NFCC) has clarified that former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki continues to serve on its advisory board under a valid appointment made in his personal capacity, stressing that his position is not linked to the office he previously held.
In a statement issued today, the NFCC said Azam’s appointment received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and remains effective for a fixed three-year term running from September 2024 until September 2027.
The agency explained that his membership does not depend on his former role as MACC chief commissioner and will continue until the expiry of the appointment unless it is terminated earlier by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
According to the NFCC, the legal basis of the appointment means Azam remains a legitimate member of the advisory board and is entitled to participate in its meetings and activities throughout the duration of his term.
The clarification follows growing public attention over Azam’s continued involvement with the advisory board after Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin questioned the rationale behind retaining him while he is the subject of an ongoing investigation.
The issue resurfaced after the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) shared photographs on its official Facebook page showing Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar chairing an NFCC advisory board meeting on June 30, with Azam among those attending the session.
The AGC said the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation among government agencies involved in combating financial crime and enhancing coordination in national anti-financial crime initiatives.
Responding to the public discussion, the NFCC emphasised that Azam’s attendance at the meeting was entirely consistent with the law because he remains a duly appointed member of the advisory board.
The centre, which operates under the Prime Minister’s Department, reiterated that the appointment was made based on Azam’s individual capacity rather than his former designation as head of the MACC.
It said this distinction is important because the advisory board position is governed by the terms of the appointment itself and is not automatically affected by changes in an appointee’s previous public office.
The controversy surrounding Azam’s advisory board role stems from allegations relating to his shareholdings during his tenure as MACC chief commissioner.
Those allegations prompted the establishment of a three-member task force led by Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar to examine the matter.
While questions have continued to be raised over Azam’s appointment, the NFCC maintained that there has been no breach of the legal framework governing the advisory board.
The agency said Azam’s appointment remains fully enforceable under its existing terms and will continue until September 2027 unless a decision is made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to end the appointment before the expiry of the three-year tenure.
