Dr Mahathir: It’s my prerogative
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that he appointed human rights lawyer Latheefa Koya as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief because the parliament select committee (PSC) on public appointments can’t do so legally.
“Others can give views, but the prime minister decides. We don’t have a PSC. We intend to have a PSC, but to do that, we need to change some provisions in the Federal Constitution,” he said in reference to the need to have two third majority to pass the amendments.
He said this in response to a question on whether the PSC would play a role in the appointment of Suhakam commissioners.
He also pointed out that as prime minister he does not need to consult the cabinet.
“I am not required to consult the Cabinet. I can ask for the opinions of various people, and then I decide on the merits of the case,” he added.
The PSC is led by its chairman William Leong (Selayang-PKR).
The committee is made up of Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang-PKR), Ngeh Koo Ham (Beruas-DAP), Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang-DAP), Dr Hasan Bahrom (Tampin-Amanah), Ismail Sabri Yaakob Bera-Umno) and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (Kubang Kerian-PAS).
