Pm S War On Graft Just Theatrics Ex Macc Chief

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Former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya has dismissed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s “war on corruption”, calling it mere theatrics to hoodwink the public.
“I don’t think it’s a war. It’s a theatre for public consumption.
“If it’s a war, we won’t have the issue of the addendum, we won’t have a discount for (former prime minister) Najib (Abdul Razak) case, won’t have (Ahmad) Zahid (Hamidi) as deputy prime minister with multiple charges.
“If it is really a war, then you won’t only go after persons you have declared as an enemy or perceive as enemy. It seems selective,” she told the “Straight Talk” podcast produced by Malaysiakini with former envoy Dennis Ignatius as the host.
Compromising for power?
Asked why this was happening, Latheefa, who served as MACC chief commissioner between June 2019 and March 2020, said Anwar was making compromises to remain in power.
“Power of course, for me, you have basically signed up with the support of Umno.
“Umno is made up of Zahid, Najib and all those people who have cases.
“For you to have a deputy prime minister who was facing multiple charges, what were we expecting? It’s a precarious position you put yourself in.
“Who would do that? Only those without principles,” the veteran human rights lawyer added.
PM Anwar Ibrahim, DPM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and ex-premier Najib Abdul RazakAG erred in Zahid’s case
Latheefa also expressed disappointment with former attorney-general Idrus Harun’s decision to grant Zahid a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) of the corruption case involving millions of ringgit from Yayasan Akalbudi.
During her tenure as MACC chief commissioner, Latheefa pointed out that the agency had gathered all the evidence needed for a prosecution.
“When we did an investigation, MACC would start it and all the materials were there ready for the charge.
“We would bring the investigation paper to the AGC (Attorney-General’s Chambers) and they would say if it is enough or not, or if there is no case. That is the process. So, how can the AG say there is no case when the whole process involved the AG?
“When we investigate, especially when it involves someone like Zahid (a prominent personality), we have to make sure we are not doing something flimsy or frivolous or to be seen as carrying a political vendetta. AG is wrong, it’s disappointing,” Latheefa lamented.
Zahid was granted the DNAA on Sept 4, 2023. The prosecution said they needed time to allow a more comprehensive and complete investigation into his case. - Mkini

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