KUALA LUMPUR: It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens be treated alike, irrespective of their status or political position, said Latheefa Koya.
The former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said the attorney-general's (AG) decision to withdraw all of the prosecution's appeals against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's acquittal from 40 charges of corruption in connection with the Foreign Visa System (VLN) two years ago is a severe blow to the fight against corruption in Malaysia.
Latheefa said she was the MACC chief commissioner at the time Zahid was charged in court for these offences.
"I would not ordinarily comment on cases I had investigated but this case attracts the highest considerations of national interest.
"I made the decision to recommend to the AG that Zahid be charged based upon the MACC investigation papers and discussions with my officers.
"Every angle was looked into. The investigation was painstakingly thorough and comprehensive. I had no hesitation in making the recommendation.
"Therefore, I am shocked by the claim of the AG's representative in the court of appeal that there was a "strong legal or factual basis" to withdraw the appeal.
"This runs starkly contrary to my knowledge of the matter, and I am in a position to know."
Latheefa said based on the evidence and taking into account the judgment of the High Court, the law should have been permitted to run its course.
"It does not matter whether the accused is a deputy prime minister or an ordinary citizen. The law must apply equally to them. This is enshrined in Article 8 of the Federal Constitution."
She also questioned if an ordinary government clerk charged with petty corruption would receive such favourable treatment from the AG.
On Thursday, the AG withdrew all of the prosecution's appeals against Zahid's acquittal from 40 charges of corruption in connection with the Foreign Visa System (VLN) two years ago.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Yusaini Amer Abdul Karim informed a three-member Court of Appeal panel (CoA) led by Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali of the matter.