In his first address as the nation’s top graft-buster, he expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him to lead the commission and called on all MACC personnel to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and professionalism.

“Challenges, constraints and obstacles in carrying out duties are inevitable, but they must be handled wisely and guided by the (MACC) Act, as well as established procedures and instructions,” he said during a meeting with MACC senior directors and directors at the commission’s headquarters today, Bernama reported.

Halim also cautioned the officers to ensure that enforcement action was free from any form of persecution or injustice, and to promptly correct any shortcomings.

He acknowledged that the public’s perception of MACC was an important issue, and stressed that every officer must perform their duties diligently to safeguard the commission’s credibility and integrity.

He said the reforms he planned to introduce included stronger coordination between the MACC’s investigation and prosecution divisions to streamline operations and improve case management.

He also proposed strengthening internal recruitment efforts while continuing to prioritise public education and awareness campaigns on corruption prevention.

Halim, 69, has more than 20 years of judicial experience, starting with his appointment as a judicial commissioner in 2005, serving in Temerloh and Kuantan.

He took over as MACC chief commissioner today from Azam Baki, who retired yesterday after 42 years in public service and six years leading the anti-graft agency.