The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that Azam’s appointment is effective today.

It added that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had agreed to Latheefa’s request to shorten her contract, also effective today.

“The government of Malaysia thanks Latheefa Koya for her services as the MACC chief commissioner,” it said.

Latheefa was the second senior official appointed under Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration to quit their post following the change of government. The first was Tommy Thomas, who stepped down as the attorney-general on Feb 28.

Latheefa’s decision was conveyed in a letter to Muhyiddin Yassin on March 2, a day after he was sworn in as the eighth prime minister.

Azam is said to have more than 30 years’ experience serving the anti-corruption body.

He was made deputy chief commissioner in charge of operations in 2016.