In unprecedented move, Malaysia names former High Court judge as new anti-graft chief

Abdul Halim Aman, 69, will lead the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission from May 13, succeeding Azam Baki, 63.

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KUALA LUMPUR: Former High Court judge Abdul Halim Aman has been appointed as the next chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) from May 13. 

King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has consented to the appointment, making it the first time a former judge has been appointed as MACC chief.

Halim will succeed Azam Baki, whose tenure ends on May 12 after receiving three one-year extensions since his initial appointment in March 2020. 

Halim, 69, is a former High Court judge with nearly two decades of judicial experience and a long career in the legal service, reported New Straits Times.

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Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced the appointment on Saturday (Apr 25) morning and said the proposal was presented by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the King. 

"The government is confident that with his broad experience and high integrity, he will be able to strengthen efforts to enhance governance, increase the public's confidence and intensify the agenda of eradicating corruption for national interest," Malay Mail quoted Shamsul Azri as saying.

Born on Mar 10, 1957, in Malacca, Halim joined the Judicial and Legal Service in 1982, serving for 22 years. He was appointed a Judicial Commissioner in 2005 and elevated to a High Court judge in 2007. He retired in March 2023. 

The announcement of the anti-graft chief appointment comes right before a planned rally to demand the removal of the incumbent.

The "Tangkap Azam Baki" rally is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur at 3pm today, with participants expected to gather and march from the shopping mall Sogo to Dataran Merdeka.

Rally organisers have three demands: a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe allegations of a corporate mafia within enforcement agencies; the arrest of 63-year-old Azam Baki and MACC reform; and protections over free speech for those speaking out against corruption and misconduct. 

The rally will proceed this afternoon despite the appointment of Azam Baki's replacement, organisers said, adding their three demands remain unchanged. 

Azam Baki has faced several allegations during his tenure, including that he improperly held shares in a public-listed company.

The government ordered a probe into the allegations but has made no public findings. 

The MACC - a federal agency set up in 2009 to probe and prosecute graft in the public and private sectors - has powers to summon individuals, search and seize property and arrest suspects.

Azam Baki and the MACC have denied all allegations of misconduct.

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