Latheefa confirms resignation as MACC chief, says ‘own decision’

Latheefa Koya has confirmed tendering her resignation as MACC chief commissioner after holding the post for nine months.

“I submitted to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin a letter conveying my intention to resign as chief commissioner of the MACC, subject to the approval of His Majesty the King.

“It was my own decision to do so. Speculation that pressure was brought upon me is baseless.

“My intention is to return to my (legal) practice as a human rights advocate,” she said in a statement this morning.

Latheefa, who was unilaterally appointed to the role by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said she met Muhyiddin yesterday to explain her decision.

The former PKR leader and executive director for rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) expressed confidence her resignation would not affect MACC's fight against corruption “irrespective of the position or political allegiance of the perpetrators”.

“It is business as usual in MACC, in the capable hands of my officers,” she added.

Latheefa’s appointment to helm the commission courted controversy as it circumvented the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Public Appointments.

The committee was created by the Pakatan Harapan government as part of its 2018 GE14 manifesto.

Mahathir had, at the time, admitted to choosing Latheefa without consulting his cabinet as he did not want to be “restricted” by their opinion.

Her resignation follows that of another top civil servant - attorney-general Tommy Thomas - who resigned on Feb 28 following the collapse of the Harapan government.

Below is Latheefa's statement in full:

On Monday, March 2, 2020, I submitted to the Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin a letter conveying my intention to resign as chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), subject to the approval of His Majesty the King.

It was my own decision to do so. Speculation that pressure was brought upon me are baseless.

My intention is to return to my practice as a human rights advocate.

Yesterday, I met the honourable prime minister and explained to him my decision to resign. We had a very cordial discussion and he understands my position.

I also briefed the prime minister about our ongoing actions and efforts for the recovery of the stolen 1MDB monies from abroad. He was fully supportive of these actions.

I also took the opportunity to wish him and the new government every success in advancing the welfare and best interests of the people.

Throughout this week, I have met with and briefed my deputy Azam Baki as well as MACC department heads, in order to ensure an orderly handover of duties.

It is business as usual in the MACC, in the capable hands of my officers.

I am leaving my position with the fullest confidence that the MACC will continue to be uncompromising and tireless in the fight against corruption, irrespective of the position or political allegiance of the perpetrators.

I thank the former prime minister Dr Mahathir, my colleagues in the MACC and the rakyat for all the support I have received during my tenure as chief commissioner.

God bless our country!