Anwar's Picks to Head Malaysia's Three Key Institutions Under Scrutiny

Appointments Offer PM a Chance to Salvage His Govt's Reformist Credentials, Say Analysts

- Shannon Teoh

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's decision on who should lead Malaysia's three key institutions in the coming months will be crucial as concerns grow over political interference in their operations.

The chiefs of the anti-graft agency, police and judiciary are all due to retire from May, and the Premier has the authority to replace them or extend their tenures by advising the King to do so. These appointments, say analysts, offer the Prime Minister a chance to salvage his government's reformist credentials, which have been undermined by a series of controversial decisions and claims of selective prosecution.

Criticism of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has grown since Datuk Seri Anwar took office after the November 2022 general election. His Pakatan Harapan coalition had campaigned on a reformist platform, pledging to strengthen the integrity and independence of the country's institutions.

MACC chief Azam Baki has been at the centre of controversy after he was discovered to hold shares in public companies, in contravention of government rules. Anti-graft activists also claim the MACC has abused its power and mounted selective probes against government critics.

Tan Sri Azam's tenure ends in May, after he received two consecutive 12-month extensions. Several sources told The Sunday Times that he is likely to secure a six-month extension until November, a decision seen as "kicking the can down the road".

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat is unlikely to get a similar extension in July when she turns 66, the retirement age for judges, senior members of the legal profession told ST.