Parliamentary panel to grill Latheefa on credentials, impartiality

Diyana Ibrahim Diyana Ibrahim Updated 6 years ago · Published on 14 Jun 2019 7:00AM · 5 Comments

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s new chief Latheefa Koya will be questioned by the parliamentary select committee next week. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, June 14, 2019.

NEW Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Latheefa Koya has been summoned by the parliamentary select committee to explain how she is going to carry out her duties as she does not have experience in law enforcement.

Latheefa has been asked to meet the PSC on June 20, where she will have to explain how she intends to carry out her duties without political interference, committee chairman William Leong told The Malaysian Insight.

“We also invited Latheefa to update the committee on her vision and recommendations to raise integrity and fight corruption.”

He said the three issues for Latheefa to address are the committee’s main concerns, as the human rights lawyer had been a PKR officer-bearer prior to her MACC appointment.

The session will also address the manner in which Latheefa was appointed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad without prior approval from the PSC on major public appointments.

Latheefa’s appointment to head the MACC was announced on June 4, eliciting both praise and protests.

Criticism has largely centred on the appointment as having bypassed the PSC.

Pakatan Harapan set up the committee as a part of its manifesto promise that all major public appointments will be vetted by Parliament for greater transparency.

In her first statement after her appointment, Latheefa acknowledged the controversy over her appointment.

“Everyone is entitled to express their opinions, so that’s all right,” she said, adding that she remains focused on her new duties.

“My job is clear. It is to go after corruption anywhere and everywhere it is found.”

Latheefa replaces Mohd Shukri Abdull, who stepped down ahead of the expiry of his contract on May 17, 2020. – June 14, 2019.

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Comments

  • Grill Latifa or Latifah grill others?? Leong, it's strange that you set a date to meet MACC chief. Is it norm in any democratic country for such 'grilling'? Who is leading the country? Has PAC more powers to vet main chiefs of institutions? Looks Funny!

    Posted 6 years ago by Swaminaidu Venkatasamy · Reply

  • This is bull! The PSC is trying to belatedly assert itself by attempting to exercise powers it does not yet have. The shenanigans, the political oneupmanship and the pull in different directions by Pakatan components, has close parallels to the Janata Party in India after it brought down the Congress behemoth in a general election in 1977. Then prime minister Indira Gandhi and her unnecessary declaration of emergency (like Najib and 1MDB) were hugely unpopular. The Janata government like the Pakatan here were soon torn asunder by disparate groups each with their own agenda and pet peeves. They engaged in open disagreement and recriminations. The end result? Three years after coming to power they split into different groups, some withdrew support to their own government, voting against it in two no-confidence motions in parliament and were sent packing in the next elections. The same disturbingly similar scenario where components are constantly at loggerheads seems to be coming to the fore. Hopefully, better sense will prevail or power and cash-hungry Umno may return to complete the bankruptcy of the country, which they were successfully doing before being booted out.

    Posted 6 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • This is bull! The PSC is trying to belatedly assert itself by attempting to exercise powers it does not yet have. The shenanigans, the political oneupmanship and the pull in different directions by Pakatan components, has close parallels to the Janata Party in India after it brought down the Congress behemoth in a general election in 1977. Then prime minister Indira Gandhi and her unnecessary declaration of emergency (like Najib and 1MDB) were hugely unpopular. The Janata government like the Pakatan here were soon torn asunder by disparate groups each with their own agenda and pet peeves. They engaged in open disagreement and recriminations. The end result? Three years after coming to power they split into different groups, some withdrew support to their own government, voting against it in two no-confidence motions in parliament and were sent packing in the next elections. The same disturbingly similar scenario where components are constantly at loggerheads seems to be coming to the fore. Hopefully, better sense will prevail or power and cash-hungry Umno may return to complete the bankruptcy of the country, which they were successfully doing before being booted out.

    Posted 6 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • The ordinary people on the road are taking her appointment news with open arms and its really funny the critics cum concern are coming from within Pakatans alliances. I guess her no nonsense approach are sending some spines shivers. For once not having someone from the government crops of product she is not obligated to anyone within the government agencies. True she may not have the investigative sense but being a lawyer its brings a new perspective of looking at other possible scenarios. Let her settle down and dive into it, as I trust she will proof her worth and critics wrong. Its your call now Latheefa.

    Posted 6 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply

  • Take it easy, William Leong. Did you subject yourself to being "grilled" on your "vision and recommendations" when you were appointed head of PSC?

    Posted 6 years ago by Boo Teik Khoo · Reply