People are entitled to criticise, says Latheefa

Updated 6 years ago · Published on 7 Jun 2019 2:10PM · 4 Comments

MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya checks in on her first day on duty at headquarters in Putrajaya, today. – The Malaysian Insight pic, June 7, 2019.

EVERYONE has the right to question and criticise, Latheefa Koya said today in her first statement as Malaysian Anti Corruption-Commission chief, addressing concerns over her appointment process.

“There have been many opinions expressed since my appointment was announced on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” she said

“Everyone is entitled to express their opinions, so that’s alright.”

Meanwhile, she would remain focused on her new duties.

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

Latheefa was on Tuesday named as the successor to Mohd Shukri Abdull, who stepped down ahead of the end of his contract on May 17, 2020.

Her shock appointment provoked a mixed response from civil society, the opposition, and Pakatan Harapan, whose members are split in their opinions.

Critics said although she had the credentials of a brave and hardworking lawyer in human rights, have questioned the process of her appointment which bypassed the parliamentery select committee on major public appointments.

The committee was formed by the Pakatan Harapan government which had pledged in its election manifesto that all major public appointments would be vetted by the committee for greater transparency.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad had told reporters on Wednesday that it was his decision to make Latheefa the MACC chief.

His choice of Latheefa was also criticised as she was an active PKR member and office bearer. She was a party central committee member and the legal bureau chief. She said she resigned from PKR upon being informed of her appointment.

Latheefa today said that with the support of the people and her officers in the MACC, she hoped to  transform Malaysia into a corruption-averse society.

“I will also be looking into long-term measures, including education, to create a culture of intolerance to corruption.

“It is the fundamental right of every Malaysian to live, work and prosper in a corruption-free society. With God’s help, I hope to succeed at this task.” – June 7, 2019.

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Comments

  • There's nothing wrong with your appointment, Latheefa, politically, legally or morally. All the very best in the performance of your difficult but critical duties.

    Posted 6 years ago by Boo Teik Khoo · Reply

  • Latheefa, we stand by you. Make us proud!

    Posted 6 years ago by 2 Cents · Reply

  • Latheefa pls DO NOT BE LIKE Hassanah who BETRAYED MALAYSIANS Using the POSITION which the Makchik jual goreng pisang Not Qualified For Cheated All Malaysians. Hasannah is a Shame to Malay Women extremely bad immoral SPY.

    Posted 6 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply

  • Latheefa we are all standing behind you. TDM has full-faith in you. Ignore the empty drums that know only how to make noise. You have better things to do. The opposition and the guilty ones are shivering in their pants/skirts.

    Posted 6 years ago by Justin Leno · Reply