Be afraid if MACC arrests you, warns anti-graft chief

Kalidevi Mogan Kumarappa Timothy Achariam Kalidevi Mogan Kumarappa, Timothy Achariam Updated 6 years ago · Published on 13 Jul 2019 7:00AM · 3 Comments

MACC chief Latheefa Koya is impressed with the work ethics of her officers since she joined the agency last month. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, July 13, 2019.

IF the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrests a suspect and records his statement, the chances of that person being charged in court are high, said Latheefa Koya on the standards placed by the anti-graft agency in an investigation.

The newly minted MACC chief said since taking charge of the commission, she had witnessed first-hand the integrity and discipline of the staff working on a case.

“It is interesting to see how dedicated they are in probing a case in order to determine if the allegation of corruption is true or otherwise,” Latheefa told The Malaysian Insight.

“If the MACC arrest you or have your statement recorded, the chances of you appearing in court are very high. That is our standard.”

The standards are applicable to all cases, immaterial if the suspect is a VVIP or an ordinary person, she said.

In cases of public interest, MACC will conduct its own investigations, she said, adding that details of the case won’t be shared with the public.

“We will process the information for intelligence-gathering and ensure the whistle-blower is protected.”

The former lawyer also touched on the role of MACC, which is not only to nab the corrupt but also to educate everyone on corruption.

“It is time to educate the masses on what is MACC and its objective. We are not here to arrest and charge only.

“We also have a heavy task ahead of us as stipulated under the MACC Act – that is to educate and prevent corruption.”

On her personal targets for the MACC, Latheefa said she wishes to put the anti-graft agency on the world map. – July 13, 2019.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • Both the public and govt servants better wake up on Latheefa's call for clean and high integrity society. All govt enforcement units personnel , STOP your corrupt practices today if u can before it's too late for u. The public will utiLize all means and ways to help MACC to nail down all bribe takers. Take care of your family by securing your jobs , not by taking bribes.

    Posted 6 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • Yo Latheefa, any updates on Teoh Beng Hock's case??

    Posted 6 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply

  • Latheefa , it would be better that you do not / would not be so bold to make such claim. Till to day even those well known banditos who are in the spot light are still in the limbo mode of going or not going to be convicted and jailed. Many of the hard core and fully soiled corrupted ex ministers and leaders of parties are still walking free and condemning with gustos about PH rule of law mockery. Why so ?? because PH has now become king of flip-flop and a paper tiger. There are still so many cases where MACC are handling with feather touches and without closure .Even within MACC ex leaders who are expected to be charged are just laughing away at new entrant leaders trying to be ferocious only with roar butknowingly will be toothless. Prove them and rakyat your virtous intentions and correct all the wrong doings.

    Posted 6 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply