PUTRAJAYA: Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed says he is stepping down from his role as Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner on his own accord, not due to any pressure to do so.
Abu Kassim said he is looking forward to focusing on his roles at international level in his capacities as the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities vice-president, and as a member of the Board of Governance of the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria.
“At the same time, I also want to contribute my experiences and expertise with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)," he told a press conference today.
The press conference was held hours after his impending departure on Aug 1 was announced by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
Meanwhile, Abu Kassim said he was among the longest-serving MACC chief commissioners, having held the role for almost six years compared to others, who served between three and four years.
Abu Kassim said he had actually applied three times to reduce his tenure as the MACC chief commissioner.
"Only on the third try did the government agree to accept my application," he said, thanking the government for presenting him with the opportunity to head the MACC since 2010.
He said he would continue to serve as a government servant until his mandatory retirement in 2020.
"I will continue to be in the civil service but not with MACC," Abu Kassim said.
He said there would be no other departures from MACCC with him, save for those who are set for retirement this year.