12/05/2026

TUESDAY | MAY 12, 2026

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Ű THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

I’ll work till I die, says outgoing MACC chief

PETALING JAYA:

Outgoing

Malaysian Commission

Anti-Corruption

(MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki (pic) has hinted that his commitment to the people and the country will not end when his contract officially concludes today. Speaking on MACC’s Kolar Hitam Bukan Sekadar Operasi podcast, which was streamed on YouTube yesterday, Azam said he had no intention of entering politics or the business world but would remain an engaged and vocal figure on matters concerning the nation. “I am the kind of man who will keep working until the day I am carried out in a coffin from a mosque. Yes, understand what I mean by that. “I will work and contribute what I can to the country and to the people because that gives me personal fulfilment.” Azam said he would not hesitate to speak up if he felt MACC’s actions warranted public feedback. “I won’t be angry at whatever MACC does but if the time comes and I feel I need to say something I will – constructively and positively. If my former colleagues or juniors at MACC need to tap into my experience or seek advice, I am

PUTRAJAYA: The National Unity Ministry has dismissed claims that link the proposed National Harmony Commission (NHC) to issues involving unregistered places of worship and the Interfaith Commission, calling them untrue, manipulative and misleading. Noting public reactions to ongoing engagement sessions led by the National Unity and Integration Department, the ministry said the NHC proposal is based on a preventive, conciliatory approach focused on early conflict prevention, mediation, reconciliation and strengthening social harmony. The ministry said the NHC would, if established, handle investigations into matters affecting national harmony, make recommendations to the government, facilitate formal mediation processes and publish public reports, subject to national security considerations. It said the proposal would not affect or alter the Federal Constitution, including the position of Islam, the Malay Rulers and the rights of Malays and Bumiputera. “The ministry strongly assures that any proposal related to the NHC will in no way touch, question or alter because they are corrupt. Question the authorities who shield criminals.” Using the e-waste task force (which he chaired) as an example, Azam recalled being bombarded with what he described as odd questions from the public and critics. “People asked where the containers went, why there were no charges in court, why only compounds were issued. This is the problem with society, and I have to correct it. These baseless accusations may stem from jealousy towards MACC. I want to remind them – that is a sin.” On the future direction of MACC, Azam urged it to concentrate its resources on large-scale financial leakages that cost the country hundreds of millions of ringgit,

families. A person who contributes nothing is no different from a walking corpse.” In a candid moment during the same podcast, Azam took aim at those who frequently question MACC’s enforcement decisions, calling them “fools” who need to be corrected in their thinking. He said such critics are quick to attack enforcement agencies but remain silent when it comes to those who actually commit corruption. “From day one we have never said something is not our job. We took responsibility and got it done. But the moment we act, people start asking why we got involved, why we did this and not that. I want to say to these fools – instead of questioning MACC, question the ones who do nothing. “Question those who fail to act

o Commitment to people and country will not end when contract officially expires today, says Azam Baki always ready.” When asked whether he would venture into politics or business, Azam was unequivocal. “Politics is out of the question – it is simply not my field. Business neither, as I am no businessman. What matters most is how we manage our lives – with wisdom, with purpose, and with value to society, to ourselves and to our

rather than being distracted by minor infractions. “Forget the small stuff. Focus on what we have planned – the big leakages, the major cases. Let other departments handle the small roadside matters. That is why you rarely see my officers making arrests over RM10 or RM20 bribes – it wastes time. We need to go after the hundreds of millions that have gone missing, the widespread fraud and the recovery of stolen assets.” He summed up MACC’s asset recovery mission plainly: “Simply put – what has been stolen from the people, we steal it back through the law and through enforcement.”

Ministry clarifies role of proposed harmony panel

the

fundamental

provisions

enshrined

in

the

Federal

Constitution.” It cited Articles 3, 121, 32, 38, 153 and 152 as among the protected provisions. The National Unity and Integration Department has been tasked with conducting engagement sessions involving NGOs, government agencies, experts and stakeholders to gather feedback. The ministry said the sessions are not for decision-making but to collect views before any proposal is submitted to the government, with all input recorded and reviewed professionally. It said consultations would continue in stages with MPs, political parties and state governments. It added that any Bill must undergo ministry evaluation, Attorney-General’s Chambers review, Regulatory Impact Analysis, Cabinet approval and tabling in the Dewan Rakyat. “If findings do not indicate need or suitability, the proposal may be discontinued,” it said, adding that the process remains open and inclusive. – Bernama stimulate sustainable economic growth and drive development centred on high-value innovation and technology, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim while chairing the first 2026 meeting of the National Science Council yesterday. He said the approach is crucial in strengthening strategic collaboration between the government, the private sector and research and development institutions. – Bernama

Awang Bemee (eighth from left) with the newly sworn-in senators. – BERNAMAPIC

Thirteen senators sworn in KUALA LUMPUR: Thirteen members of the Senate, including six new appointees, took their oath of office yesterday before Senate President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.

Services Act 2025 to strengthen the separation of powers. “The Senate also approved amendments to its standing orders on March 9, including the establishment of five new select committees covering public administration and governance; trade, industry and international relations; food security and the economy; social services, minorities, culture and indigenous affairs; and defence and security.” He said in today’s digital communication era, senators’ responsibilities extend beyond the chamber and include fostering public understanding of constitutional supremacy, parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. – Bernama

Md Ramli, Isaiah D. Jacob, Mohd Hasbie Muda and Abun Sui Anyitm. Abdul Nasir Idris was re-elected by the Kedah State Legislative Assembly. All six new appointments by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong are for a three-year term until May 10, 2029, while the reappointments run from March 20, 2026 to March 19, 2029. In his speech, Awang Bemee congratulated the 13 senators and urged them to make the Senate a platform for mature and constructive debate in representing the voices of the states and federal territories. “Malaysia’s Parliament is entering an important phase through the enforcement of the Parliamentary

Move to strengthen STI ecosystem KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government will continue to prioritise efforts to strengthen the science, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem to ensure that Malaysia can withstand financial challenges and uncertainties in the global economic supply chain, including the energy crisis triggered by conflicts in West Asia. The implementation of several mission-based initiatives was expected to optimise resources,

The six new appointees are acting Bentong Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Zaini Salleh, Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong, Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Sarawak DAP assistant secretary Larry Asap and R. Thiagarajah. Meanwhile, six senators were reappointed, namely Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan, Datuk Seri Prof Dr Awang Sariyan, Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta