PAS veep thought Latheefa's MACC appointment was 'fake news'

PAS vice-president Iskandar Abdul Samad said today that he initially thought Latheefa Koya's appointment as the chief commissioner of MACC was "fake news."

"At first I thought the news that Latheefa was appointed as the new MACC chief was fake news or it was a Hari Raya Aidilfitri joke.

"But after checking a news portal, it seems the appointment is real," he said in a statement.

Iskandar clarified he was not questioning Latheefa's ability to do the job, but only concern over the various positions she previously held in PKR.

"Shouldn't an agency which will investigate politicians not be led by a politician?" he asked.

Even if Latheefa carries out her duties fairly, Iskandar said, it will still open up space for doubt whenever the MACC charges or releases someone under her leadership.

He added that regardless of whether these decisions are reasonable, public confidence in the commission could be eroded, as could the country's image on the international stage.

"The Pakatan Harapan government should appoint an independent eminent figure without any political relationships whether in the present or in the past, who is also respected by the public.

"I am sure there are many who fulfil these criteria," he said.

Umno senator Khairul Azwan Harun, meanwhile, pointed out that Latheefa (photo) had been a key member of PKR and represented her party in numerous interests.

"She was previously reported to be a member of PKR's central leadership council.

"How did this happen? What happened to the promise of an independent MACC?" he said in a Twitter posting.

In a tweet this evening, Latheefa said she resigned from PKR yesterday upon being informed of her imminent appointment as MACC chief.

Questions about 'Latheefa's era' 

Joining the chorus criticising Latheefa's appointment was Umno supreme council member Lokman Noor Adam.

"Even now, cases involving Harapan’s leadership have all been disposed of, and only cases involving BN and PAS’ leadership are being pursued.

"What will happen during Latheefa's era after this?" he said in a statement.

It was reported earlier today that Mohd Shukri Abdull resigned as MACC chief prior to the expiration of his contract on May 17, 2020.

Latheefa, who is the executive director of Lawyers for Liberty, is on a two-year contract effective June 1, 2019.

Shukri was first appointed as the MACC chief commissioner in May last year, after Pakatan Harapan won the 14th general election.

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