Former MACC chief Abu Kassim Mohamed may replace Ali Hamsa as the chief secretary to the government, according to Sinar Harian.

Abu Kassim was on June 1 appointed to lead the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) which was to formulate policies for anti-corruption reforms in the civil service.

The report said if the proposal to make Abu Kassim the chief secretary to the government gets the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's nod, the (GIACC) will be placed under his office.

Interestingly, the report was shared by the Public Service Department's Facebook page.

The report said Ali, 63, will be retiring in August.

His service was extended by the previous government on a contract basis.

The report, citing sources, said the new government wanted a strong anti-corruption figure to lead the civil service.

"The choice of Abu Kassim is in line with Mahathir's previous statement that he wanted someone with anti-corruption expertise.

"He had a lot of experience in the MACC. He also has international experience and contact with other anti-corruption agencies on top of giving lectures on anti-corruption," the source was quoted as saying.

The source said Abu Kassim's appointment may happen as early as next month.