My job is clear, says new MACC chief Latheefa

PETALING JAYA: Newly-appointed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Latheefa Koya says that while everyone is entitled to their opinion, her job is clear: to eradicate corruption in the country.

“Everyone is entitled to question, criticise, or express their opinion, but my job is clear – to go after corruption.

“With the support of the rakyat and my officers in the MACC, we can transform Malaysia into a corruption-averse and corruption-free society,” she said.

Latheefa added that she would be looking into long term measures, including education, to create “a culture of intolerance to corruption”.

“It is the fundamental right of everything Malaysian to live, work, and prosper in a corruption-free society,” she said in her first official statement as MACC chief on Friday (June 7).

Latheefa's appointment, announced on June 4, came as a surprise to many. She replaces Datuk Seri Shukri Abdull, who quit before his tenure was to have ended in 2020.

She has resigned as a PKR member and as the executive director of Lawyers For Liberty.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it was his personal decision to appoint Latheefa to the post, and that he did not consult the Cabinet on the matter.

However, Dr Mahathir added that he had “listened to many people” before making his decision.

The Prime Minister added that he would be “tied” if Cabinet were to decide.

“I am free to evaluate and make the appointment,” he said.