PUTRAJAYA, May 12, 2026 – Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency, Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM), has released a special farewell episode of its “Kolar Hitam” podcast featuring Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Azam Baki, who retires tomorrow after more than four decades of service.
In an official post on X today, SPRM directly asked: “Pengkritik SPRM ‘bawa’ masyarakat jangan percaya pada sistem yang ada?” (Do SPRM critics lead society not to trust the existing system?). The post promotes the full episode titled 4 Dekad Perjuangan Azam Baki: Bukan Sekadar Operasi (Four Decades of Struggle: Not Just Operations), now available on the SPRM Malaysia YouTube channel.
In the podcast, recorded on Monday, Azam Baki – who joined the precursor Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR) in 1984 and has led SPRM since its establishment in 2009 – reflects on the agency’s transformation, bold leadership, and the challenges of fighting corruption with a relatively small workforce serving Malaysia’s 32 million population.
He addresses public criticism head-on, suggesting that many detractors and protesters are individuals under investigation who seek sympathy or attempt to undermine confidence in the system. Azam urged SPRM officers not to be distracted by online attacks or “wild accusations,” stressing that the courts ultimately decide cases and that the agency must remain focused on its mission.
Key highlights from the episode include:
- Emphasis on continuous institutional reform: “Transformasi ialah sesuatu yang hidup” (Transformation is something alive). What worked one or two years ago may no longer be relevant.
- Call for “berani dan radikal” (bold and radical) action against systemic corruption, including leakages in procurement and abuse of power.
- SPRM’s expanded scope beyond traditional graft cases to include environmental crimes, smuggling, and other complex offences under a “no wrong door” policy.
- Personal plans after retirement: Azam said he will not stay silent. “Saya tidak akan berdiam diri selepas bersara” (I will not remain silent after retirement). He plans to continue contributing to the nation and society through constructive views on governance and anti-corruption, while rejecting involvement in politics or business. “Politik bukan bidang saya,” he stated calmly.
He also shared a philosophical outlook: “Dunia ini bukan untuk dirunsingkan tetapi untuk diuruskan” (The world is not to be worried about but to be managed) – with wisdom, health, and usefulness to society.
The podcast marks the end of an era for Azam Baki, who has overseen high-profile operations and pushed for greater public confidence in SPRM despite ongoing scrutiny. He expressed hope that future leaders will avoid arrogance and continue the agency’s momentum.
The X post accompanying the announcement has so far received modest engagement, reflecting SPRM’s ongoing effort to communicate directly with the public through its own media channels.
This special “Kolar Hitam” episode is part of SPRM’s initiative to humanise the work of anti-graft officers and bring the realities of white-collar crime enforcement closer to Malaysians.
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