LATHEEFA Koya today resigned as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief to return to her practice as human rights advocate.

She said she informed Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin of her intention on Monday and met him yesterday to explain her decision.

“It was my own decision to do so. Speculations that pressure was brought upon me are baseless.

“My intention is to return to my practice as a human rights advocate,” she said in a statement.

She said it would be business as usual at the MACC despite her resignation.

She said the prime minister understood her wish to resign after briefing him on MACC’s ongoing actions and efforts to recover 1MDB funds from abroad.

“I am leaving my position with the fullest confidence that the MACC will continue to be uncompromising and tireless in the fight against corruption, irrespective of the position or political allegiance of the perpetrators.”

She also thanked former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, her MACC colleagues and Malaysians for the support given to her during her brief tenure. 

To ensure an orderly handover, Latheefa stated that throughout this week, she met and briefed her deputy Azam Baki as well as MACC department heads.

“It is business as usual in the MACC, in the capable hands of my officers.”

Latheefa was appointed by the previous Pakatan Harapan government under Dr Mahathir for a two-year term beginning June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2021.

She is the second high-ranking political appointee to resign following the change of federal government last week.

Last week, Tommy Thomas stepped down as attorney-general just days after Dr Mahathir’s resignation.

Both Latheefa and Thomas played a vital role in PH’s efforts to probe into corruption under the previous Barisan Nasional administration. – March 6, 2020.