Prominent human rights lawyer Latheefa Koya has been appointed as head of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), replacing Mohd Shukri Abdull whose contract was allowed to expire ahead of its deadline on May 17, 2020.
In a statement today, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Latheefa, who is the executive director of Lawyers for Liberty, would serve as the MACC chief for two years beginning June 1.
“The appointment is among the steps towards reform in government institutions,” it said.
It was learnt that Latheefa resigned from PKR yesterday to ensure she is politically neutral.
Shukri was attached with the MACC for 32 years before opting for early retirement in July 2016.
Last year, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the former deputy chief commissioner would return to head the anti-graft agency.
In a tell-all after returning to the MACC, Shukri claimed he was threatened numerous times when investigating issues surrounding 1MDB and the investment arm’s former subsidiary SRC International.
He said he was harassed and threatened in 2015 and that on one occasion, a bullet was sent to his home.
The PMO said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had granted Shukri’s request to end his contract ahead of schedule, in line with Sub-Section 5(3) of the MACC Act 2009.
“The government thanks him for his service to the country throughout his tenure as MACC chief commissioner,” it added.
When queried on his reasons for stepping down, Shukri reportedly told Malaysiakini in a text message that his mission has been accomplished.
“I have placed MACC on the right track. All officers are united (in battling corruption) and support from the public has been strong,” he was quoted as saying.