Watchdog Bersih demands Malaysia anti-graft chief resigns as PM Anwar denies political weaponisation

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has issued a formal demand for the immediate resignation of Tan Sri Azam Baki, the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The steering committee of Bersih alleged that the commission has digressed from its enforcement mandate to become a tool for political intimidation.

These accusations follow a series of controversial investigative actions taken by the agency in recent weeks.

A primary concern cited by the watchdog is the public search for James Chai, a former aide to the ex-economy minister Rafizi Ramli.

Bersih characterised the publication of a search notice containing Chai's family home address as institutional doxxing.

According to Bersih, Chai asserted that he was never directly contacted for any investigation prior to the public notice.

The group claimed this tactic was intended to create a perception of guilt and tarnish the reputations of political staffers.

The watchdog further noted that the escalation appears retaliatory, as Ramli remains a vocal advocate for institutional reform.

They suggested the MACC is being weaponised against those demanding greater accountability within the commission itself.

Public confidence in the MACC has reportedly reached a low point following international investigations into alleged corporate mafia links.

Questions also persist regarding the shareholdings of Baki, which Bersih claims have not been transparently addressed.

The statement further criticised the government for its handling of investigative journalism.

Bersih highlighted recent police visits to the offices of Bloomberg as an attempt to harass reporters covering corruption allegations within the state.

Bersih drew parallels between the current administration's tactics and the 1MDB scandal era.

They argued that framing legitimate journalism as a foreign plot is a regressive step for a government founded on the spirit of reform.

Malaysia PM Anwar refutes Bersih's claims as 'unfair'

In a press conference held after attending a Public Service Department event in Kuala Lumpur on 6 March 2026, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim refuted these claims.

He described the accusations made by Bersih as unfair.

Anwar Ibrahim stressed that any allegations against state agencies must be made responsibly and based on facts rather than political sentiment. He urged the watchdog to examine relevant reports before issuing public condemnations.

The Prime Minister clarified that he was not defending any specific individual but emphasised that the government has already established a committee to investigate the claims. He stated that the matter remains under the purview of the Attorney General.

Anwar Ibrahim expressed trust in the legal process and the Attorney General, noting that official reports have not yet been finalised. He cautioned against attacking individuals without obtaining full information, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

The Prime Minister stated that while all parties have the right to criticise Baki, such criticism must be consistent. He questioned why similar voices were absent when billions of dollars were being stolen from the country in previous years.

He reaffirmed that the issue of corruption must be tackled seriously by the Madani government.

He insisted that anti-graft efforts should not be politicised for personal or partisan gain.

Bersih continues to push for a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) to oversee the appointment process of the MACC Chief Commissioner.

This reform is intended to ensure bipartisan oversight and restore public integrity in the agency.

The group also demanded an immediate end to the use of notices to locate as tools for public shaming.

They called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate all outstanding allegations against the commission's leadership.