MELISSA Sasidaran is the new Lawyers for Liberty (LfL) director, replacing Latheefa Koya, who has been named the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief.

The LfL appointment was announced by adviser N. Surendran today.

Prior to this, Melissa was the human rights and law reform group’s legal and campaign coordinator.

A prominent human rights lawyer, she has represented civil society movements, politicians and activists in urgent arrests, remand hearings and criminal cases, particularly for offences under the Sedition Act 1948, Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, Penal Code, and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

She was called to the Malaysian Bar in 2010, and last year completed her LLM in Human Rights, Conflict and Justice at SOAS University of London.

Surendran lauded Latheefa’s appointment to the MACC top job, saying she has a long track record as a human rights lawyer and activist.

“This will serve MACC well in its efforts to eradicate corruption. We congratulate her on this important appointment and wish her all the success in the battle against corruption.”

The Prime Minister’s Department earlier today announced that Mohd Shukri Abdull has decided to cut short his contract as MACC chief, which had been due to end in May next year.

It said Latheefa will hold the post of chief commissioner for a two-year term. – June 4, 2019.