KUALA LUMPUR (June 7): Latheefa Beebi Koya, the nation’s first female top graft buster, clocked in to work for the first time today, even as her appointment was questioned by various quarters.

“There have been many opinions expressed since my appointment was announced on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Everyone is entitled to question, criticise or express their opinion, so that is alright,” said the new chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in a statement today.

“My job is clear. It is to go after corruption anywhere and everywhere it is found. With the support of the rakyat and my officers in the MACC, we can transform Malaysia into a corruption-averse and corruption-free society,” she added.

She said she would also be looking into long-term measures, including education, to create a culture of intolerance towards corruption.

“It is the fundamental right of every Malaysian to live, work and prosper in a corruption-free society. With God’s help, I hope to succeed in this task,” she said.

To recap, she was appointed by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to replace Datuk Shukri Mohd Abdull, who had voluntarily resigned.

The announcement of her appointment on June 3 took many by surprise, with several parties raising concerns over the fact that the premier had decided without consulting the Cabinet, and her affiliation with PKR — she was a central committee member of the political party.

Latheefa said she had resigned from all political posts as of June 3.