PM: Latheefa was my choice, I did not discuss with cabinet

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has confirmed that he chose former PKR member Latheefa Koya to head the MACC without consulting his cabinet as he did not want to be “restricted” by their opinion.

"I did not discuss with the cabinet.

“Normally, I make the decision myself because I don’t have to ask the cabinet as to who I approve," he said during a press conference.

“[...] If the cabinet had to make the decision, it would have restricted me.

“I am now free to assess who I want to suggest and choose,” he said when asked during a press conference at his Hari Raya Open House at his official residence in Seri Perdana, Putrajaya. 

Mahathir expressed that he was a fan of Latheefa’s character.

“I chose her because she is very straight and she says what is the truth.

“She doesn't mince her words. We need somebody who has a strong character,” he said.

Latheefa (photo), who until recently headed legal aid NGO Lawyers for Liberty, was appointed to her new role yesterday. 

She had been an outspoken critic against both BN and Pakatan Harapan governments.

Latheefa had also often taken up cases involving deaths in custody and stateless children.

Impartiality questioned

While many NGO leaders lauded her appointment, some also questioned whether Latheefa’s links to PKR would sully her and MACC’s supposed impartiality. 

She was previously the party’s Legal Affairs Bureau chief and had only resigned as a member when she was given the new government role.

Harapan’s manifesto specifically states that MACC ought to have the prerogative to appoint its own members and chief.

It also states that the ruling coalition will do away with political appointees.

Today, Mahathir brushed off the second manifesto promise as “unfair”.

“She has resigned (from PKR), we can't penalise our members. During the time when we were trying to win the election, these people all worked very hard to make us win.

“But our manifesto says people who work for us cannot hold any posts, that is not fair.

“Of course we don’t make them heads of departments or companies, (but) they can become members of the board (and) in certain cases if they have the right qualities, we will appoint even those who are in politics,” he answered. 

Latheefa was appointed following the unexpected exit of Mohd Shukri Abdull, who cited optional early retirement for vacating the post. - Mkini