Exclusive
Rick Claypool on Pay to Play Corporate Crime Enforcement Rick Claypool on Pay to Play Corporate Crime Enforcement Labaton Launches Whistleblower Practice with Former SEC Acting Chair Allison Herren Lee Labaton Launches Whistleblower Practice with Former SEC Acting Chair Allison Herren Lee Kremlin payment firm A7 has been pumping billions in ‘untraceable’ cash into global financial system Kremlin payment firm A7 has been pumping billions in ‘untraceable’ cash into global financial system
Current Affairs

Who is Abdul Halim Aman, Malaysia’s new anti-corruption enforcer?

Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency got a new chief on Wednesday with the arrival of Abdul Halim Aman, a former High Court judge handed the task of…

By Samantha Johnson / May 13, 2026
Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency got a new chief on Wednesday with the arrival of Abdul Halim Aman, a former High Court judge handed the task of steadying an institution that has spent years chasing political heavyweights while struggling to shake questions over its own independence.
The 69-year-old took over as chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after Azam Baki ended a six-year tenure marked by headline arrests, asset recoveries and repeated political storms.
Abdul Halim’s appointment was announced late last month after Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim consented to his selection under a proposal put forward by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Advertisement

The palace had earlier signalled a more active royal role in the process, with the king saying he would determine the “best candidate” to lead the agency. Malaysia’s constitution provides for such appointments to be made on the prime minister’s advice.
Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar arrives to attend Victory Day celebrations, marking the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday. Photo: EPA
Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar arrives to attend Victory Day celebrations, marking the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday. Photo: EPA

For Anwar, who came to power on an anti-corruption platform in 2022, analysts say the choice of a retired judge with no known political profile offers a reset for an agency that has become central to his reform credentials.

Advertisement

Don't Miss: