Anwar: Dr M needs to clarify Latheefa’s appointment
PERMATANG PAUH: The prime minister needs to clarify the sudden decision to appoint human rights lawyer, Latheefa Koya as the new MACC chief commissioner at proper forums, said PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He also said that the prime minister needs to clarify why the Cabinet was not informed, and that the appointment had violated Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto.
“Of course, clarification is required as this is what we promised, but we should only use proper forums such as in the Cabinet or the Pakatan leadership council if we want to raise and seek proper clarification.
“The manifesto was not complied with and seen as a political appointment…I find it necessary to explain to the public on the issue on why the manifesto was not fully observed and respected although I think Latheefa has the necessary credentials for the position,” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya dinner at Masjid Kubang Semang here.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Penang International and Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneur Development state exco Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and Penang State Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang.
Anwar, who is also Port Dickson MP, 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 in the administration of the government as we have been given the commitment to support the government administration under the leadership of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“We will ensure MACC remains independent and those given the task be seen as very professional and not to be dragged by political and faction affiliation. This concern 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.
Meanwhile in a related development, Utusan Online, the online platform of Malay daily Utusan Malaysia, denied that a report entitled Anwar furious, declined to comment on Dr Mahathir’s appointment of Latheefa.
The message on Twitter said the report is fake news.
