THE prime minister in his classic style pulled another rabbit out of his hat of wily tricks.

He keeps the momentum of shocks in New Malaysia at roller coaster pace, keeping all the pundits across the nation’s political spectrum guessing his next move.

It is typical Mahathirism dogmatism at its best, a courageous choice.

With Latheefa Koya’s appointment as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, the old man has rekindled and revived hope that New Malaysia is going to get the job done, one way or the other.

Even though the manner and process of the appointment of Latheefa leaves much to be desired, it is a breath of fresh air in the overall war against corruption.

She deserves to be the exception to the rule or promise, although no real rule of law is in place at the moment for the said appointment.

The real and hard fact is that the prime minister has the prerogative to appoint her; and so he did.

The war against corruption has only just begun and we need individuals of extraordinary ability and character to turn this country around.

Latheefa fits the bill perfectly. Heading the MACC will give her the chance to take the bull by the horns in bringing the corrupt to account.

She has a head start on the matter because former MACC chief Mohd Shukri Abdull has left behind a legacy of integrity, especially standing firm during the “Week of the Long Knives” and “Black Tuesday” in 2015.

The MACC was the only enforcement agency that intended to take action on the then prime minister with regard to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

It was under immense pressure at the time, because it was alleged the police had been misdirected to harass and intimidate Shukri and his men.

The two most powerful enforcement agencies in the country were pitted against each other.

This has to be investigated thoroughly now, given there are indications of high treason amid conspiracy within the corridors of power at that time.

The betrayal of trust of all those within that special task force, including the victimisation of the present Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador, who was the then deputy Special Branch director, must be made transparent.

The rumours surrounding the murder of deputy public prosecutor Kevin Morais can also be investigated.

Latheefa can be the real catalyst to the rejuvenation of all our enforcement agencies as to their expected roles in the criminal justice system, to act without fear or favour.

That is the weight in gold of her appointment.

The whole cabinet must now come out in support of her and the prime minister.

By all means, criticise the way she was propelled into that position.

Debate and come up with the required legislation that will make all appointments of our custodians of the criminal justice system approved by parliament.

However, Latheefa has to be given a chance to prove herself. In fact, she can play a role in improving the manner of such appointments.

It is interesting that many in the opposition who are now thumping their chests were silent on all the abuses and corruption when they were in power.

Probably they, along with Pakatan, can work together in the required institutional reform that will ensure there will be checks and balances for candidates chosen for key positions in the criminal justice system in the future.

For the moment, I am with Latheefa all the way.

G.Selva

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.