PSC chief: Parliament doesn't interfere with gov't but keeps it in check

The chair of the Parliament Select Committee on Major Public Appointments said it was not the legislature's place to interfere with the executive's appointments.

However, William Leong said it was Parliament's duty to keep the government in check.

"The Parliament exercises oversight through the scrutiny of government policies and decisions," he said in a statement sent today.

The select committee's role had come into the spotlight after Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad unilaterally appointed former PKR lawyer Latheefa Koya as MACC chief.

Leong said the PSC does not have the power to appoint or reject candidates.

"By the terms of reference, the select committee is tasked to ensure that the appointment of the candidate stands up to scrutiny based on merit.

"Such scrutiny will enhance the legitimacy and public confidence in the candidate that the appointment to the public office is based on merit and the independence of mind," he said.

The Selayang MP said he hoped a meeting between the PSC and Mahathir would enable both the executive and legislature to "realise the aspirations contained in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto", referencing the promise to restore Parliament's dignity.

Leong has yet to receive a reply on when the PSC can meet the prime minister.