Malaysians have mixed reaction to Latheefa heading MACC

PETALING JAYA: The news that Latheefa Koya is the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner has ignited many Malaysians on social media.

While many of them questioned the former Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director’s credibility as well as her political affiliation, others were happy with the appointment.

“I thought a person who worked for years in the MACC should be promoted based on experience,” Aiden Koay posted on The Star Online’s Facebook page.

Hilal Alias wrote: “I believe (there are) senior staff at (MACC) more capable than her. Obviously someone took a step ahead.”

On Twitter, Tyra (@TheTyra) questioned how a PKR party member could become the head of the MACC.

“Talk about reform and being independent and impartial?” she asked.

DearqItuHaidar (@DearqItuHaidar) tweeted: “Wow! PKR member to head (MACC). That’s very transparent. Even BN (Barisan Nasional) never did such a thing.”

These and similar comments came before Latheefa announced on Twitter that she had tendered her resignation as a PKR member with immediate effect on Monday.

LFL also announced that Latheefa had resigned as its executive director, to be replaced by Melissa Sasidaran.

Latheefa replaces Datuk Seri Shukri Abdull, who quit even before his tenure was to have ended next year.

But while some Malaysians were sceptical – especially since such appointments are supposed to go through Parliament – others applauded the appointment, which took effect on June 1.

Former Bersih chairman

Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan congratulated the Pakatan Harapan government over the “bold appointment”.

“No doubt many crooks will be uncomfortable and terrified. Another bold appointment by the PH govt. Well done!” she tweeted.

On Facebook, Annie Alexander commented, “The RIGHT person for the job. A no-nonsense person. Congratulations.”

Sekar Subramaniam also congratulated Latheefa, dubbing her the “second Iron Lady of Malaysia”, in an apparent reference to former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.

“You are going to be the best to recover, uncover the truth and the loot. Wishing you the best of luck,” he added.

Noel Roy wrote on Facebook: “Very transparent government. She can do wonders. Bold lawyer who takes a great stand on liberty and governance.”