Mahathir’s pick for Malaysia’s anti-corruption chief: a check on Anwar?
- Should PM-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim be worried about Malaysia’s new anti-graft chief Latheefa Koya?
- Ask the current PM, Mahathir Mohamad, who went against his manifesto to appoint her
The leader on Wednesday said he had decided to install tough-talking lawyer Latheefa Koya as chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) without discussing the matter with the cabinet or parliament. His election manifesto promised that appointments for high-ranking civil service positions would go through a parliamentary select committee.
“Normally I make the decision myself, because I don’t have to ask the cabinet as to who I approve,” he said, adding that Latheefa was of “strong character” and he had “listened to many quarters” before making his choice.
“When we were trying to win the election, these people [such as Latheefa] all worked very hard to make us win. Our manifesto says that people who work for us cannot hold any post. That’s not fair ... In certain cases if they have the right quality we will appoint [them].”
Mahathir’s move has sent shock waves through the Malaysian political sphere, with cabinet members including minister Azmin Ali saying they were unaware of the decision until the official announcement. However, they also praised the prime minister’s pick.