Earlier this week His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said he would determine a new candidate to lead the MACC, with the appointment made under existing legal provisions.

It is no surprise that current MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki is not having his contract renewed.

He is 63 and has already served six years, having his contract renewed on three previous occasions.

But what is undeniable is that Azam has been a lightning rod for critics of the MACC ever since he took over, with his predecessor Latheefa Koya being one of the most vocal. Perhaps she was sore after having served just nine months in the role.

His opponents have clearly stepped up their attacks this year.

On 12 February 2026, a report made by Bloomberg alleged that Azam was working with businessmen to take over companies.

This triggered yet another round of protests calling for his arrest for alleged abuse of power.

A few years ago, investigative journalist Lalitha Kunaratnam published two articles claiming unethical business links involving Azam, his brothers and associates.

This led to allegations that Azam owned shares in two companies listed on the exchange in excess of the amount allowed.

Given the prime minister’s commitment to rooting out corruption, and the optics surrounding Azam, it feels like the time is right for him to go.