Association welcomes appointment but expresses concern

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM) welcomed the appointment of Latheefa Koya as the new anti-graft commission chief but expressed concerns over how the decision was made.

Its president Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar (pic) said the association acknowledged that the appointment of Latheefa as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief does not contravene any existing laws.

“Notwithstanding the legality of the said appointment and both Latheefa’s credibility, capability and competency, we wish to express our concern over the said decision for the following reasons:

“(The) Parliamentary Special Select Committee that aims to reduce political intervention over important key national positions was not involved in the process of the said appointment.

“The said appointment evidently contradicts and is inconsistent with Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto,” said Zainul in a statement.

He added that it was also an “ostensible conflict of interest” as Latheefa has long been an active PKR member and had formerly served several key positions in the party.

The association also believes that such an appointment will “directly and indirectly” cause trust deficit towards MACC and will inevitably dampen the morale and enforcement spirit of the agency, said Zainul.

“The said appointment of political persona will assuredly give rise to adverse inference towards the integrity of the agency both locally and internationally as an independent agency tasked with combating corruption and abuse of power.

“PPMM believes the public may have certain reservations due to her past affiliation with the ruling political party. From the foregoing reasons, we humbly request the relevant authorities to clarify these matters,” said Zainul.