PARLIAMENT’S select committee on major public appointments should be suspended since the government that set it up is not making use of it, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, one of its members, said today.

He said this was evident from the lawyer Latheefa Koya’s appointment as Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, which Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad claims as his prerogative.

“This episode is proof that the select committee on major public appointments is non-functioning.

“Therefore, as a member of this committee myself, I call on its chairman, William Leong Jee Keen, to suspend it immediately, in view of the fact that Pakatan Harapan is not taking it seriously, nor is it honouring its own manifesto promises,” Tuan Ibrahim said in a statement today.

Latheefa was named as MACC chief commissioner on Tuesday in a shock announcement that drew concern over its process.

It bypassed the select committee and Dr Mahathir later confirmed that she had been “his choice”.

Those who spoke out against Latheefa’s appointment praised her strong legal background and pursuit of justice, especially in human rights cases, but noted her lack of corruption enforcement experience and more controversially, her long-standing involvement in PKR as an active member.

Latheefa said she quit PKR as soon as she was informed of her appointment but critics said this is insufficient to erase the perception of a political appointment.

In PH’s manifesto, it said the chairman of the MACC would be appointed from among the commissioners, while the select committee has a say on the candidates.

It also said all such appointments will be “validated by Parliament” although there are views that this will entail amendments to existing law and the constitution.

Tuan Ibrahim, who is Kubang Kerian MP, accused PH of once again breaking its promises to ensure that public appointments are vetted by the select committee and to stop the practice of political appointments.

“This manifesto also said that Dr Mahathir will give way to Anwar Ibrahim to be prime minister when the time comes.

“Unfortunately, as seen in this episode, PH is showing once again that its promises cannot be taken seriously.” – June 7, 2019.