Some MACC staff in shock, others happy over Latheefa’s appointment

Latheefa Koya has been described both as a ‘critical thinker’ as well as one without knowledge of the MACC’s workings.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) personnel are said to be divided over Latheefa Koya’s appointment as the anti-graft agency’s new head.

Sources told FMT that while some staff felt her reputation as a “principled person” would be good for the agency, others felt she had no knowledge of the MACC’s workings.

“After the Teoh Beng Hock incident, some of us would really want to clear MACC’s name,” one source said, referring to the death of an aide to a Selangor assemblyman in MACC custody in 2009.

The source said some in MACC saw Latheefa as a “critical thinker” who would be able to enhance the agency’s image with her legal background.

However, another source in MACC said many were in shock over Latheefa’s appointment.

A senior officer who did not wish to be named said: “We are used to working with Shukri (Abdull) who knows how the MACC operates.” He was referring to Latheefa’s predecessor.

The officer said some of the staff were apprehensive about the change in leadership and were not sure what to expect.

Meanwhile, former Public Accounts Committee chairman Hasan Arifin praised Latheefa, who is known to be vocal when it comes to human rights cases.

“I hope she will probe anyone to uphold justice,” Hasan said.

Shukri’s contract was allowed to expire ahead of its deadline on May 17, 2020.

Latheefa’s term will be for two years effective June 1. - FMT