Mat Sabu first Pakatan leader to defend PM’s appointment of Latheefa

Updated 7 years ago · Published on 7 Jun 2019 5:04PM · 3 Comments

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu says the prime minister is open to criticism of his decision to make Latheefa Koya the MACC chief. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, June 7, 2019.

MOHAMAD Sabu is the first Pakatan Harapan leader to defend Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s decision to make Latheefa Koya the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission chief, expressing confidence the prime minister would keep an eye on his choice of candidate.

In a statement, the Amanah president said it is within Dr Mahathir’s prerogative to decide who he wanted to helm the graft fighting agency.

“The appointment has drawn various criticisms and opinions, especially from within Pakatan Harapan,” Sabu, who is defence minister, said.

“I am confident that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has taken note of the criticism of the manner in which the appointment was made. He views it as a test of Latheefa’s resolve to carry out her duties as chief commissioner of the MACC.

“I am also fully confident the prime minister is open to criticism of his decision and he will assess Latheefa’s performance from time to time. And if Latheefa’s performance does not meet the expectations of her critics, I’m sure the prime minister will re-evaluate his decision.”

Latheefa’s appointment to head the MACC was announced on Tuesday, eliciting both praise and protests.

Criticism has largely centred on her appointment having bypassed the parliamentary select committee on major public appointments.

Pakatan Harapan had set up the committee as follow up to its manifesto promise that all major public appointments would be vetted by parliament for greater transparency.

Concerns of partisanship were also raised as Latheefa was a PKR office bearer until the time of her appointment as MACC chief.

An online petition is currently ongoing on Change.org to collect signatures calling for Latheefa’s resignation. It has received more than 1,000 signatures so far.

The petition, created by user Malaysia Baharu, is endorsed by PKR’s Wangsa Maju MP Dr Tan Yee Kew.

The petition described the appointment last as a political one, which runs counter to the principles of Pakatan Harapan.

“(PH’s) goal to reform MACC as an independent body, free from political interference, has been tainted,” the petition said. 

In her first statement today, Latheefa acknowledged the controversy over her position.

“Everyone is entitled to express their opinions, so that’s alright,” she said, adding that 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 replaces Mohd Shukri Abdull, who stepped down ahead of the expiry of his contract on May 17, 2020. – June 7, 2019.

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Comments

  • Mr Defense Minister, please defend yourself.

    Posted 7 years ago by It's me GR · Reply

  • Right on Mat Sabu !!!!!. You play the role as a team player and supporting your Pakatan Leader. Others should learn a thing or two from you. Making noises and foolishly trying to depict that it is against the democratic principle and a violation of the manifesto reforms are just hog wash. There are many more in the reforms which are in urgent need by rakyat but are blinded to all these politicians who are now trying to show that they are true champions for the cause of reforms. Rakyat need to see economic recovery , abolishment of tollls , proper and cheaper health care from private run institution , better education ( yet to see big outcries from PH parlimentarians ) and also resloving the PTPTN issues where hugh sum of money are in contentions. Really pisses rakyat off when foolish and incompetent MPs channel their wasteful resouces and time trying to outdo the PM in decision. If I am the PM I will haul them and gives an ultimatum --- Are you with me or against me ??????? for such a trivial concerns the PH MPs morbidity in comprehending the urgency of issues are left to be much desired. Somemore supporting petition of non value nature. Do not come and tell us about the horror of dictatorship if PM are bulldozing thru all decision by himself. We have enough of the horror from the kleptocrat lanun to last us rakyat thru for many decades. Infact where were all these so called champions and if I remembered clearly all were just small noise makers and many were quiet as church mice and as a matter fact , totally useless during the reign of terror from the lanun. It was the ralling of rakyat might that turn things around and now we are seeing the same old shitty guys in the parliament playing hero.What a baloney bunch!!!

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • One can always count on the good senses and decent positions of Mat Sabu.

    Posted 7 years ago by Boo Teik Khoo · Reply