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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Anti-Corrruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan has quit as the commission’s chief - five months ahead of his retirement in May next year.

His deputy Datuk Abu Kassim Mohammed succeeds Ahmad Said as the new Chief Commissioner from Jan 1.

Ahmad Said, 57, said he felt the time was right for him to retire after serving almost 35 years with the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and the MACC, which was formed this year.

“The Commission is in the good hands of Abu Kassim, a man very capable of leading the MACC who has vast experience and knowledge in combating the very difficult fight against corruption.

“I have to thank the government for having the confidence in me to lead the ACA as well as making me the first chief commissioner of the MACC,” he said when contacted.

Ahmad Said, married with six children, said he has given his best and will continue to assist the MACC if and when they require him.

Abu Kassim , 48, one of the youngest and most experienced graft buster, thanked the government for the appointment and vowed to carry out the job without fear or favour.

“This is a very tough job and I will need the support of everyone, not only those in the MACC but most importantly the public, to give me the support and information needed to combat corruption.

“The MACC can only be effective if we have the public rallying behind us otherwise we will be ineffective’’ he said, adding that he wanted everyone to work with him and not for him.

The Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan said in a statement Friday that Ahmad Said, had submitted a written notice to have his contract of service as Chief Commissioner shortened from May 25, 2010 to Dec 31.

As such, the Yang diPertuan Agong had consented to the appointment of Abu Kassim as the new Chief Commissioner as provided for under Subsection 5(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, said Sidek.

Abu Kassim has a Bachelor of Social Science degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the Michigan State University, United States, Bernama reported.

Abu Kassim, who was born in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 5, 1960, joined the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) on Sept 1, 1984 as an investigation officer. He had served as Director of Planning and Policy Coordinator at the ACA Headquarters, ACA Director for Perak and Penang, Director of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy and was seconded to Amanah Raya Berhad as its Head of Integrity.

Abu Kassim was appointed Deputy Director-General (Operations) of the ACA on Jan 1, 2001, and with the enforcement of the new Act on Jan 1, 2009, he was appointed Deputy Chief Commissioner of MACC.

Sidek said the government thanked Ahmad Said for his contribution as MACC Chief Commissioner since May 14, 2007.