KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, Malaysia, 6 August 2025 – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is not only tasked with combating corruption but also plays a crucial role in assisting the government to curb leakages for long-term benefits.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations), Dato’ Sri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, stated that efforts to address leakages, such as those implemented by the Sabah State Government, would yield significant impacts for all stakeholders.
“The direction in this state is not just about preventing corruption but also about helping the state government curb leakages to ensure the impact of these efforts is sustainable,” he said during the Handover Ceremony for the Sabah MACC Director at the Auditorium, Block A, Sabah Federal Administration Complex here today.
At the ceremony, Penang MACC Director Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah was appointed as the new Sabah MACC Director, effective 15 July 2025, succeeding Datuk Karunanithy Y. Subbiah, who has been appointed as the Penang MACC Director.
Dato’ Sri Ahmad Khusairi praised Datuk Karunanithy for his pivotal role in building public confidence in the MACC and leading several major operations, demonstrating Sabah MACC’s commitment to fighting corruption and abuse of power. He highlighted Datuk Karunanithy’s exceptional dedication, firm leadership, and strategic approach in overcoming significant challenges during his tenure.
He added that the appointment of Datuk Mohd Fuad, a Sabah native, is expected to drive the anti-corruption agenda with greater aggression and strategy.
In his speech, Datuk Karunanithy attributed Sabah MACC’s success in operations and prevention to the strong collaboration with federal and state agencies, as well as media partners.
“I extend my gratitude to the Sabah State Government, particularly Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor and State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr. Haji Safar Untong, for consistently supporting MACC’s initiatives, whether in operations, prevention, or governance improvements,” he said.
Datuk Karunanithy, who led Sabah MACC for 5 years and 11 months since 17 September 2019, will assume his new role as Penang MACC Director on 15 August 2025. He urged Sabah MACC personnel to maintain collaboration, integrity, and professionalism in their work.
Also present were Sabah Federal Secretary Dato’ Seri Haji Rosli Isa, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun, and Kota Kinabalu City Hall Mayor Dato’ Sri Dr. Haji Sabin Samitah.