PETALING JAYA: MACC chief Commissioner Latheefa Koya handed in her resignation letter to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday (March 2).

"It was my own decision to do so. Speculation that pressure was brought upon me are baseless," she said in a statement on Friday (March 6)

Latheefa said she intended to return to her practice as a human rights advocate.

She added that she had met the Prime Minister and explained to him her decision to resign.

"We had a very cordial discussion and he understands my position.

"I am leaving my position with the fullest confidence that the MACC will continue to be uncompromising and tireless in the fight against corruption, irrespective of the position or political allegiance of the perpetrators.

"I thank the former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir, my colleagues in the MACC and the Rakyat for all the support I have received during my tenure as Chief Commissioner," she said.

Latheefa was appointed to the post on June 1 last year, with some seeing the appointment as a political one.

She took over Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull who had decided to shorten his contract.

Her post is expected to be filled by deputy chief commissioner of operations Datuk Seri Azam Baki.

Full statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT CHIEF COMMISSIONER MACC

On Monday 2nd of March 2020, I submitted to the Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd. Yassin a letter conveying my intention to resign as Chief Commissioner of theMalaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), subject to the approval of His Majesty the King.

It was my own decision to do so. Speculation that pressure was brought upon me are baseless.

My intention is to return to my practice as a human rights advocate.

Yesterday, I met the Honorable Prime Minister and explained to him my decision to resign. We had a very cordial discussion and he understands my position.

I also briefed the Prime Minister about our ongoing actions and efforts for the recovery of the stolen 1MDB monies from abroad. He was fully supportive of these actions.

I also took the opportunity to wish him and the new government every success in advancing the welfare and best interests of the people.

Throughout this week I have met with and briefed my deputy Datuk Seri Azam Baki as well as MACC department heads, in order to ensure an orderly handover of duties.

It is business as usual in the MACC, in the capable hands of my officers.

I am leaving my position with the fullest confidence that the MACC will continue to be uncompromising and tireless in the fight against corruption, irrespective of the position or political allegiance of the perpetrators.

I thank the former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir, my colleagues in the MACC and the Rakyat for all the support I have received during my tenure as Chief Commissioner.

God bless our country!

LATHEEFA KOYA

CHIEF COMMISSIONER

MALAYSIAN ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION

PUTRAJAYA

6 MARCH 2020