PETALING JAYA: Former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull (pic) has come out to say he has given his full support to his successor.
Mohd Shukri said he had not questioned Latheefa Koya’s appointment as the new MACC chief, and urged detractors to give her a chance.
“Stop membawang (gossiping) and give Latheefa Koya a chance,” he said.
“If we membawang (gossip) about her appointment, it is a waste of time.
“Let’s give her our support, let her do her work to the best of her abilities,” he added.
Mohd Shukri said this at a press conference on Saturday (June 8) to address speculation about his resignation.
“Whether she is independent or not, we will see. But give her a chance, I trust she will do the best for the MACC and for our country,” he said.
Mohd Shukri said there was no issue with Latheefa being an outsider within MACC as she will have experienced officers supporting her.
“Don’t worry (about Latheefa being from outside the MACC) because those who do the work are MACC officers. When I was the MACC chief, my job was only to mobilise the officers to do the investigations,” he said.
He added that her experience as a lawyer would be beneficial as she could combine corporate ideas with government initiatives.
“Things will go smoothly,” he said, adding that he has confidence in his officers.
Mohd Shukri said it was important for Latheefa to work closely with MACC officers, and likewise for the officers to offer her guidance for her to succeed as the MACC chief.
He also offered three advice to his successor to be a good leader.
“One, do the right thing. But that is not enough, it must be done in the right way.
“Two, be independent, neutral and impartial. Do not side with any parties; this is very important.”
“And lastly, lead without fear and favour. Do not be afraid of pressure, don’t be lazy, and don’t be fearful of being ousted. Don’t bow down to anyone.
“With this, I believe she will be a good leader.”
Latheefa’s appointment, announced on June 4, came as a surprise to many.
She replaced Mohd Shukri, who quit before his tenure was to have ended in 2020.
She then resigned as a PKR member and the executive director of Lawyers for Liberty.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said it was his personal decision to appoint Latheefa to the post, and that he did not consult Cabinet on the matter. He also said that he had “listened to many people” before making his decision.
