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.”
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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