Bersatu being hypocrites in appointment of MACC chief

LETTER | Bersatu Youth exco Muzzammil Ismail fully backs the veto of the prime minister on the appointment of Latheefa Koya as the new chief commissioner of the MACC. 

This is hypocritical and an abuse of the aspirations of the people and Pakatan Harapan's manifesto on clean and transparent governance. This action is a disgrace and an act of bootlicking, which is still happening even in the 'Malaysia Baru' era.

This also undermines the reform of institutions that Harapan has been fighting for in the decades-long struggle for reformation. Furthermore, with this decision, it affects the credibility of the MACC and the people's institutions.

Although Latheefa has given her letter of resignation to PKR, however, it is feared that political elements would distort the principle of justice which would be biased to the government. 

This appointment should have been made by Parliament through the Special Select Committee for Major Public Appointments. Civil servants should be appointed for such positions through merit, and not a politician-cum-activist.

With this, Pulai Umno Youth strongly condemns the appointment, and hopes that this matter would be brought to the next parliamentary session to be discussed.

In addition, MPs should condemn the prime minister's action by reducing his authority limits on the appointment of high-ranking administrative officers. This power of appointment should be given to MPs.

Lastly, the operations of the MACC should be placed under the judiciary to make sure there is no bias towards any branch of government, so as to deliver justice in name of rule of law.

MUHAMMAD SHAQIB SHAHRILNIZAM is the information chief for Pulai Umno Youth.

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