LATHEEFA Koya was today questioned by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) for major public appointments on whether she could carry out the duties of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner.

Speaking to reporters at Parliament after the 45-minute meeting, the MACC chief said the committee did not ask her how or why she was appointed, but simply if she could do the job.

“The issue was not on the appointment. The appointment process is something that should be asked of the party that appointed (me). I am just an appointee so those were not the questions I was asked,” she said.

“(There were a) variety of questions, mainly, whether I am capable, and what my vision and mission focus is.”

Latheefa said she was satisfied with the way the meeting went and had answered all questions to the best of her ability.

“I am satisfied that I received the invitation from the PSC and, as government servants, if there is a standing order that allows the PSC to ask questions, we come and we give our full cooperation.”

Meanwhile, committee chairman William Leong said he could not divulge much detail on the session as a report had to be tabled to the House first. 

The report is likely to be tabled within the current parliamentary session. 

Leong added that Latheefa’s appointment was done by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister and in accordance with the law.

However, he said, the terms of reference of the committee is to determine whether the appointments to key public roles is done with merits. 

De facto Law Minister Liew Vui Keong said during the minister’s question time earlier today that the government is trying to come up with the right mechanism to transfer the power to make key public appointments to the committee. 

Commenting on this, Leong said he will be meeting Liew and Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption head Abu Kassim soon to determine a holistic working mechanism that the committee will adopt. – July 4, 2019.