Universiti Malaya political scientist Awang Azman Pawi told FMT that when previous governments had changed the MACC chief upon assuming power, the decision had not been well received.

“It would not bode well for the government’s image, as seen in the case of Latheefa Koya’s appointment as MACC chief by Dr Mahathir Mohamad,” he said, referring to the criticism that arose when Latheefa was appointed in 2019 because she was a long-time PKR member.

“One must remember that the current government is not a PH government, but rather a mixed government consisting of various political blocs. So, any actions taken must require a consensus,” he said.

He said the unity government could also be using this as a chance to emphasise its lack of bias since Azam was appointed by the previous administration.

“It is important to demonstrate that the MACC is an independent, honest and transparent agency, regardless of who the prime minister and ruling government are,” he said.

On Thursday, Selangor Muda pointed out the irony of Azam’s tenure extension when PH leaders had joined the #TangkapAzamBaki rally in January last year when controversy arose around his ownership of millions of ringgit in shares.

The government announced on Wednesday that Azam’s tenure had been extended for a year. His contract had been due to end on May 12.

He was appointed MACC chief commissioner on March 9, 2020, following Latheefa’s resignation after the collapse of the PH government.

Meanwhile, Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University believes it is too soon to label PH “hypocritical”, arguing that it will depend on the unity government’s progress on MACC reform over the next year.

“Will MACC remain under the prime minister’s control, and will Azam be given another extension after next May?

“Or, will the MACC be made accountable to parliament so that the next MACC chief – whether a new person or Azam – would have to be vetted by a multi-partisan parliamentary committee,” he asked.