LATHEEFA: MY UNIFORM FOLLOWS RULES

‘MACC standing order requires chief to wear certain number of ribbon bars’

THE ribbon bar worn by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Latheefa Koya on her uniform is

based on a Standing Order of the MACC Chief Commissioner, Chapter A (Policy) No. 1 of 2012.

She said the standing order required a chief commissioner, by virtue of the position, to wear a certain number of ribbon bars.

“Although, basically, it is correct and acceptable, there were some minor discrepancies in the ribbon bars, which have since been rectified.

“The ribbon bar should not be confused with medals or honorary titles awarded by palaces,” she said in response to questions over details on her uniform as MACC chief.

A photo of her in her MACC uniform with the ribbon bar and ranking badges went viral and some critics questioned how she obtained them since she had only assumed the chief commissioner position some four weeks ago.

Latheefa said the details on her uniform were rank badges and ribbon bar she was required to wear based on the standing order.

“I thank those who showed keen interest in my uniform. Frankly, I admit, I’m learning about the ranking badges, ribbon bar and uniform.

“My immediate priority since taking office has been about serious corruption cases and not details of my uniform.”

An MACC spokesman told the

New Sunday Times that Latheefa’s ribbon bar contained the different civil servant grades, as well as recognition bestowed internally by the commission.

“Every officer in the commission possesses a ribbon bar based on their grade.

“The one that Latheefa wore is similar to that of other MACC officers. They are not honorary titles awarded by palaces.”