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Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Azam Baki on His Legacy, Values, and Leadership Style
In more than four decades of service with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Tan Sri Azam Baki has never sought recognition or accolades for his contributions. Instead, he has focused on serving with integrity and fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him to the best of his ability.
The current MACC Chief Commissioner made these remarks during an exclusive interview with Bernama. For Azam, 62, being in the highest position in the commission is never a means for personal glory but a role that must be carried out with sincerity and integrity.
Joining the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) in 1984 as a Grade 29 officer, equivalent to the rank of Police Inspector in the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Azam has always worked with the principle of doing his best, regardless of waiting for orders, recognition, or praise.
Throughout his tenure at MACC, Azam has emphasized the values of perseverance, commitment, and determination in driving the fight against corruption. He attributes these principles to his time at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), where he pursued a Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Power). He later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Jurisprudence from Universiti Malaya and a Master's Degree from Asia E-University.
Azam noted that leaders should not be measured by the number of followers or public recognition but by the values one upholds and leaves as an example for others. This perspective is an homage to Malaysia's late former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman and the country's first ACA Director-General, Tan Sri Harun Hashim, who served as inspiration for his leadership style.
Under Azam's leadership, the MACC has strengthened its investigative framework by adopting Intelligence-Based Investigation (IBI) techniques, particularly for high-profile cases involving influential figures. This method has enabled the agency to uncover large-scale corruption. He has also emphasized the importance of building the organization's internal resilience, not only in terms of technical capability but also in elevating the professionalism, skills, and confidence of MACC officers.
Since assuming the highest office at the MACC in 2020, Azam has introduced several internal skill enhancement programs, including courses on public speaking, high-impact communication, and strategic leadership. His goal is for the public to view the MACC not only as an enforcement organization but as a respected institution known for its leadership, discipline, and professionalism.
As Azam continues to lead the MACC, he seeks to shape a corps of highly skilled officers capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with their counterparts in foreign agencies. His recent re-appointment as Chief Commissioner is a testament to the trust placed in him by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, and the government to continue spearheading the agency's efforts against corruption.
- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), under the leadership of its Chief Commissioner, Azam Baki, has been strengthening its investigation framework, particularly adopting Intelligence-Based Investigation (IBI) techniques for high-profile cases.
- In an interview, Azam revealed that his leadership style is heavily influenced by Malaysia's late former Deputy Prime Minister, Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, and the country's first ACA Director-General, Tan Sri Harun Hashim, who emphasized the importance of values over public recognition.
- In his effort to build the MACC as a respected institution, Azam has introduced internal skill enhancement programs, such as courses on public speaking, high-impact communication, and strategic leadership.
- The government's trust in Azam's ability to lead the MACC in the fight against corruption was reflected in his recent re-appointment as Chief Commissioner, a testament to the respect and recognition he has earned through his dedication to integrity and his efforts in policy-and-legislation and politics, including general news and tech-related investigations against corruption.
