Lawyer Latheefa appointed new MACC chief

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 4 Jun 2019 2:34PM · 6 Comments

Human rights lawyer Latheefa Koya takes over from Mohd Shukri Abdull to helm MACC. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, June 4, 2019.

PROMINENT human rights lawyer Latheefa Koya has been appointed as the new chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, said the Prime Minister’s Department in a statement today.

She replaces Mohd Shukri Abdull, who requested that his contract be shortened from its full tenure, which was supposed to end on May 17 next year.

She is the first woman chief of MACC, and the first person without an enforcement background to lead the anti-graft agency.

Latheefa, 46, who is also a PKR member and formerly held the post of the party’s legal affairs bureau chief, is with Messrs Daim & Gamany.

She read law at the University of London, graduating in 1997. She has practised law for 17 years, specialising in criminal defence litigation, public administrative law, general litigation and employment law.

She is active in Selangor and national politics, and has taken human rights cases, such as those involving stateless individuals, to the apex court.

“I am shocked, completely taken by surprise, but am very happy with the choice made,” said Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism executive director Cynthia Gabriel in an immediate response.

“She is fearless, brave, and a no-nonsense person! I hope these qualities will bring MACC to greater heights.”

Mohd Shukri Abdull has requested that his contract as MACC chief be shortened from its full tenure, which was supposed to end on May 17 next year. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, June 4, 2019.

Shukri was appointed as MACC chief on May 18 last year. He had served with the commission for 32 years before opting for early retirement on July 31, 2016 as deputy chief commissioner (operations).

No reason was given by the government for his decision to have his contract as MACC chief shortened, with the early retirement this time around made in line with Subsection 5(3) of the MACC Act 2009 (Act 694).

“The government wishes to extend its gratitude to Mohd Shukri Abdull, who has contributed to the nation in his capacity as (MACC) chief,” said the statement. – June 4, 2019.

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Comments

  • Very good choice. We need a known no-nonsense, straight talking person like Lateefa to plant the fear of God into the corrupt, and I think Lateefa will do a good job in this. No compromise and no mercy for the ones striving to destroy the nation through corruption.

    Posted 4 years ago by Mike Mok · Reply

  • Fantastic Raya gift for the public! Another important office has been placed in safe hands. After the AG's appointment and that of the Chief Justice and IGP, this is another brilliant move by the PM to secure the future of the country. Thank you, Dr Mahathir.

    Posted 4 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • Wow! Congrats to Latheefa Koya. I hope she'll continue to 'be herself' in the MACC, that the others will fall in line, and that she'll act without fear or favour, including when dealing with PKR offences. However, this appointment also continues the ongoing depletion of the ranks of veteran human rights defenders. I also hope to see more young lawyers rising up to fill her shoes in Lawyers for Liberty and other organisations.

    Posted 4 years ago by Anak Kampung · Reply

  • It is a tiring job. Mountains of work to do. Mohd Sukril Abdul is definitely tired. He deserves a good rest. We are sure Latheefa will continue his good work. Congratulations!

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • I hope Latheefa will relinquish all her party posts. I suppose this is a requirement (and if it isn't it should be).

    Posted 4 years ago by Anak Kampung · Reply

  • Shukri cant deliver. You just have to look at his press conference when he was appointed to know that. Latheefa is miles more intelligent and she CAN deliver as she has been honed into a sharp sword fighting court cases for justice. Najib and his cohorts shall shiver now.

    Posted 4 years ago by Kinetica Cho · Reply