Latheefa’s MACC appointment not discussed in Cabinet, say ministers

(FMT) – Cabinet members today welcomed the appointment of Latheefa Koya as chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) although they said they were not informed of the matter ahead of time.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the appointment was not discussed in Cabinet but praised Latheefa’s capabilities.

“We welcome her appointment. She has a lot to do and, of course, huge responsibility on her part.

“I have known Latheefa ever since she and I were in practice together. She is definitely somebody who is very familiar with the laws that are applicable to her department, and we wish her well,” he said at the prime minister’s Raya open house at Seri Perdana here.

When asked if he was shocked by the appointment, he said no. He reiterated that Latheefa is capable, with experience and a proper understanding of the law.

Adding that he had not had any experience as a minister before this, he said: “You have to start somewhere.”

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution said he had no issue with Latheefa’s appointment, but that his party had not been aware of it.

“We were not aware, we were blindsided. (It) was not discussed in the presidential council,” he told reporters.

Asked if the party would hold a special meeting on the appointment, he said he would leave the matter to Saifuddin Abdullah, the chief secretary of the Pakatan Harapan council.

“We will abide by it,” he added.

Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali also said he was not aware of the appointment until it made the news. He said he had been away performing the umrah.