Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said the newly appointed MACC chief, Abdul Halim Aman, must act without fear or favour “and he cannot succumb to any political pressure or specific interests”.

“MACC must not be seen to be used as a tool by any party,” he said in a statement, this evening, after Halim’s appointment was announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim earlier today.

Halim must also restore public trust in the anti-graft agency as an institution that is truly independent and credible, the former prime minister said.

Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the public wants MACC investigations to be carried out free of bias and political interference.

“High-profile cases and issues of incompetence or misconduct involving public interest must be investigated transparently and professionally, followed by appropriate action,” he said in a statement.

Takiyuddin also said the public wants to see tangible results in the war against corruption and abuse of power.

Halim, 69, a former High Court judge, will take over from Azam Baki, whose tenure ends on May 12 after three consecutive one-year extensions to his contract since his appointment in March 2020.