Advertisement

Malaysia’s anti-corruption chief resigns, says new PM ‘fully supportive’ of ongoing 1MDB action

  • Latheefa Koya was appointed by ex-leader Mahathir Mohamad’s government
  • Her resignation comes days after new Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin took office, with Attorney General Tommy Thomas also resigning last week.

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Latheefa Koya has resigned, saying she wanted to return to her work as a human-rights activist. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia’s anti-corruption chief who investigated the 1MDB fraud said on Friday that she had resigned, the second such exit in the last few days after a party that was defeated in the 2018 general election came back to power.
Advertisement
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who unexpectedly resigned last week after the Pakatan Harapan ruling coalition collapsed, has accused the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) of orchestrating a return to power so that its officials could escape conviction in the alleged theft of billions of dollars from state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

The party denies the charges.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin delivers a speech broadcast live on all television channels a day after taking office. Photo: DPA
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin delivers a speech broadcast live on all television channels a day after taking office. Photo: DPA

Latheefa Koya of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said there was no pressure on her to resign and that new Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is backed by Umno, understood her decision to put in her papers.

Advertisement

She said she wanted to return to her practice as a human rights advocate.

Advertisement