Ex-MACC officers in the line-up

Former top graft busters tipped for Commission’s top post

PETALING JAYA: Several former high-ranking anti-graft officials are said to be in the running for the top post of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ( MACC) following the resignation of Tan Sri Dzulkifli Ahmad.

Heading the list are Dzulkifli’s predecessor Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed and former deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull.

Another candidate is current deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki.

A source said Abu Kassim is most likely to return and take charge of the MACC and “finish what he has left behind”.

Dzulkifli replaced him in August 2016 after a reshuffle that saw all top three in the MACC replaced.

Abu Kassim was appointed MACC chief commissioner on Jan 1, 2010.

His contract was supposed to end on Dec 4 this year but the date was brought forward to Aug 1, 2016, upon his request.

While many thought he had retired, the source said Abu Kassim was “exiled” to a small department in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

On another speculation that Abu Kassim would be appointed attorney-general, the source said it was unlikely due to his lack of expertise in law.

Abu Kassim holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice from the Michigan State University and a Bachelor in Social Science from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

It is learnt that Abu Kassim is currently performing umrah in Mecca.

Attempts to reach him for comments have been unsuccessful. He is flying back tonight.

A search on UiTM’s website showed that Abu Kassim is currently the Governance and Integrity Centre consultant for its law faculty.

He has been with the MACC since 1984 until he stepped down in 2016.

Mohd Shukri retired in August 2016 at the age of 56.

He was spotted at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya yesterday, entering Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s office.

In his farewell speech two years ago, Mohd Shukri said he was insulted and even accused of being a conspirator to topple the Government.

He also hit out at an “individual” who lodged a police report against Abu Kassim, former attorney-general Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and former Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, alleging that the three were believed to be involved in a conspiracy to topple Na jib and the then Government.

Umno Youth deputy chief Khairul Azwan Harun was the person who lodged a report.

When contacted, Azam declined to comment on the latest development, saying the decision to replace Dzulkifli was the prerogative of the Prime Minister.

In a statement, Dzulkifli confirmed his resignation, adding that he would report back to the Attorney-General’s Chambers today.

Previously, he was the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team director at the chambers.

“I hope that the MACC family will continue upholding the integrity and responsibility in combating corruption and abuse of power with a new leadership.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their undivided support throughout my tenure,” he said.

Dzulkifli submitted his letter to end his contract with the MACC to the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa, effective yesterday.

Dzulkifli’s contract was supposed to end on July 31, 2021.

He also congratulated Dr Mahathir on his appointment as the seventh Prime Minister.