The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said in a statement that Azam’s ongoing leadership, marked by controversy, highlighted a critical need for systemic change.

“The fundamental issue here goes beyond Azam alone. The institutional capacity to combat corruption and uphold good governance shall remain impaired without sufficient devolution of the powers which have been centralised in the hands of the prime minister,” it said.

C4 also called for the establishment of a parliamentary select committee on corruption to nominate commissioners, ensuring MACC’s independence and integrity.

“As long as the appointment process remains unreformed, this government shall suffer from erosion of credibility and public confidence,” it said.

Azam’s contract as MACC chief commissioner was extended for another year last Friday.

He denied wrongdoing after making headlines in late 2021 over allegations that he owned shares and warrants.

At the time, several watchdog groups and Pakatan Harapan leaders called for an investigation, but then law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the issue was resolved after the Securities Commission decided there was no case.

Following the formation of the unity government, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended his decision to not replace Azam, saying he wanted to break the convention of changing the agency’s leadership whenever a new prime minister is appointed.

Azam was given an initial one-year contract extension on May 10 last year.