I Can T Shake Off Stern Image Says Latheefa After 6 Months In Office

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Latheefa Koya took office on Jun 1 under a two-year contract.PETALING JAYA: The first woman to helm the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has admitted that she is unable to avoid the perception of being a no-nonsense person
Latheefa Koya said the image is synonymous with her
“I think (I have) a reputation of being stern … that I cannot avoid.”Latheefa said she never faced any discrimination or sexist behaviour from her male counterparts
“When I started work at MACC, 95% of the officers were older men and showed much professionalism,” she said in an exclusive interview with “Women As Leaders” on Bernama Radio today
Latheefa, who was previously a human rights lawyer, was appointed as MACC chief on June 1 on a two-year contract
She said she wished to see gender equality in top posts in MACC
“I hope capable senior female officers get the opportunity to be at the highest leadership level. We hope all these changes will take place soon,” she said
Latheefa said she had never dreamed of holding this post because she wanted to continue her job as a human rights defender
“My experience as a lawyer has probably helped me to learn faster because this job also involves law,” she said
Latheefa said at first she felt her new role was different from her former position “but in fact, through MACC, I see the fight against corruption can also guarantee the rights of the people”
When asked about her image portrayed as the main person behind exposures and arrests carried out in recent months, Latheefa explained this was just a perception
“In fact, these investigations have taken a long time but we decided to go public with the results. It was a team effort,” she said
Latheefa also announced that MACC would review any old public-interest cases that had been closed without proper reasons early next year. - FMT

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