PERMATANG PAUH, June 7 (NNN-Bernama) — President of Malaysia’s PKR party, a member of the ruling coalition, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should clarify the recent appointment of Latheefa Beebi Koya as the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner.
Anwar said the decision to appoint Latheefa was made by the prime minister and that he only knew about it from the announcement on the appointment.
He said several matters needed to be clarified including the reason for the Cabinet not being informed of the appointment. He also added that the appointment was not in line with both the MACC Act and the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto.
“Most certainly an explanation is due as this is what we had promised, but this must be done at an appropriate platform such as in a Cabinet meeting or during the Pakatan leadership council meet, where we can get a proper explanation.
“It looks like the manifesto has not been complied with and more of a political appointment…I think it is necessary to explain the issue to the public on why the manifesto was not fully observed and respected even though I think Latheefa has the necessary credentials for the position,” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya dinner at Masjid Kubang Semang here Thursday.
Anwar, who is the Member of Parliament for Port Dickson, said he had agreed to give the prime minister time and space to clarify the appointment at the proper platforms.
“Nonetheless, our duty is to ensure the effectiveness of the administration of the government as we have been given the mandate to support the country’s administration under the leadership of Tun Mahathir.
“We will ensure MACC remains independent and those given the responsibilities stay professional and do not get entangled in any political web or take sides. This is the concern that has been expressed,” he said.
Anwar also said Latheefa’s resignation as a PKR member had been accepted by the party and it should not become an issue.
Latheefa was appointed as the MACC Chief Commissioner effective June 1, replacing Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull, who decided to shorten his service contract.
NNN-BERNAMA