FORMER Judge Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman officially assumed office today as the new Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), taking over leadership of the country’s anti-graft agency following the end of Tan Sri Azam Baki’s tenure after more than four decades of service.
The appointment of the former High Court judge marks a significant transition for the MACC, with government leaders expressing confidence that Abdul Halim’s extensive legal and judicial background will reinforce the commission’s institutional standing and strengthen its role as one of Malaysia’s principal enforcement agencies.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said Abdul Halim’s appointment would further enhance the credibility and prestige of the MACC domestically and internationally.
“Congratulations on the appointment of Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman as Chief Commissioner of the MACC effective from May 13, 2026.
“God willing, I believe his credibility and extensive experience in the legal field will continue to add value, strengthen the commission’s role and elevate the MACC’s standing as a prestigious enforcement body both within the country and abroad,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Shamsul Azri also shared photographs of the official handover of appointment documents to Abdul Halim as part of the transition process.
At the same time, he paid tribute to outgoing chief commissioner Azam Baki, acknowledging his long service and contribution to institutional reforms within the anti-corruption agency.
“Many achievements and reforms were implemented under his leadership in steering the MACC as a leading enforcement institution.
“Tan Sri’s contributions and service will always be remembered, and I hope he will continue contributing to the nation in whatever capacity moving forward,” he said.
Abdul Halim, who was born on March 10, 1957, in Kampung Alai, Melaka, graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the University of Malaya in 1982 before completing a Master of Laws degree at the University of Hull in 1996.
He began his career in the Judicial and Legal Service in 1982 and served in various positions over a span of more than two decades.
His appointments included Federal Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers, magistrate in Kluang and Muar, senior assistant registrar at the Melaka High Court, and Sessions Court judge in several locations including Tawau, Sandakan, Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown and Ampang.
Abdul Halim also served as Senior Federal Counsel at both the Inland Revenue Board and the Attorney General’s Chambers, in addition to holding positions as Pahang State Legal Adviser, Deputy Public Prosecutor and head of the research division at the Office of the Chief Justice.
In 2005, he was appointed Judicial Commissioner at the Temerloh High Court before being transferred to Kuantan the following year. He was elevated to High Court judge in 2007.
He subsequently served at the Penang High Court and Johor Bahru High Court before undertaking a lengthy tenure at the Shah Alam High Court from 2013 until his mandatory retirement in March 2023.
His appointment comes at a time when the MACC continues to face heightened public scrutiny over governance, transparency and institutional independence, with expectations that the agency will maintain momentum in pursuing high-profile corruption investigations and public sector reforms. - May 13, 2026
