MACC image damaged after politician made commissioner, says ex-judge

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 24 May 2022 4:04PM · 3 Comments

A former chief justice says there have been allegations of selective investigations and prosecutions involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, May 24, 2022.

THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) image was damaged after an active politician was appointed chief commissioner, said a former top judge.

Ex-chief justice Mohamed Raus Sharif said certain events have brought the agency’s impartiality and independence into question in the last four years.

“It started with the appointment of an active politician as the chief commissioner of MACC,” he said in a speech at the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Forum 2022 today.

“The impartiality, integrity and independence of the agency should always be upheld and preserved.

“MACC officers must carry out their duties without fear of it. Most importantly, free of political interference.”

Though Raus made no mention of a name, it is believed that he is referring to Latheefa Koya, who was made MACC chief commissioner.

Latheefa was appointed by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 2019.

Latheefa had quit PKR’s central executive committee, but her appointment still drew claims of selective investigations and prosecutions from the opposition.

Her tenure lasted nine months, until Pakatan Harapan fell from federal power following the Sheraton Move.

Raus said it is not surprising that the anti-graft agency took a beating after the appointment.

“Not surprisingly, there have been allegations of selective investigations and prosecutions… and allegations of improper withdrawal of charges.

“To top it all off, integrity issues involving MACC officers have started to surface.

“Fortunately, the tenure of that MACC chief commissioner did not last long.”

Latheefa was later replaced by Azam Baki.

Rauf said it is up to Azam Baki to restore public trust in the agency, adding that this will not happen overnight. – May 24, 2022.

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Comments

  • This ex Chief Justice is talking nonsense and has got his facts all wrong. Must be getting senile

    Posted 1 year ago by Brave Malaysian · Reply

  • This is an absurd argument by a political CJ. Obviously hes referring to Latheefa Koya who in fact brought about a modicum of respectability to the notorious MACC which the present fella has has thoroughly tarnished. The Raus of this world apparently live in an Umno driven alternate Universe.

    Posted 1 year ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • Normally a person with a good credible public standing in the eyes of the netizens would make such comments rather than from someone who carried along a tainted baggage with affiliation to the corridors of power previously.

    Posted 1 year ago by Abdul Rashid · Reply