GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s confirmation that he unilaterally appointed the newly-minted Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Latheefa Koya is a cause for concern, Bukit Gelugor member of parliament Ramkarpal Singh said today.
The DAP parliamentarian said although the MACC Act 2009 provides for the Yang di Pertuan Agong to appoint the MACC head on the advice of the prime minister, it technically gives Dr Mahathir unfettered discretion to pick his choice of candidate.
"The whole point of Pakatan Harapan ’s election manifesto promise is to ensure a check-and-balance, and transparency in such appointments by setting up a Parliamentary Select Committee on Public Appointments." he said.
He said the purpose of such a committee would be meaningless if such appointments were made unilaterally without consulting the Cabinet.
“The ability to appoint unilaterally implies the ability to dismiss unilaterally as well, which is why proper consultation with all parties, especially the Cabinet, is crucial so as to avoid unnecessary perception that may arise.
“Personality is, no doubt, important... but the manner in which they are appointed must be of equal, if not, more importance to inspire public confidence in such appointments,” he said.
Latheefa's appointment was announced on June 4. She has resigned as a PKR member and as the executive director of Lawyers For Liberty.
She replaces Datuk Seri Shukri Abdull, who quit the top anti-graft post before his tenure expired in 2020.
It was reported that Dr Mahathir had said it was his personal decision to appoint Latheefa to the post, and that he did not consult the Cabinet on the matter.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong today stressed that Lateefa’s appointment was done within the law.
Noting the statement, Ramkarpal said the contention was not on the legality of Latheefa’s appointment but whether making such unilateral appointment was in line with the reforms promised before PH came into power.
“With respect, unilateral appointments such as this is not part of a healthy democracy and ought not to happen, irrespective of the quality or otherwise of the appointee.” he said.