Political Appointments Another U Turn On Election Promises

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During its weekly meeting on Dec 14, 2022, the newly minted cabinet decreed that contracts for all political appointees - including chairpersons and board members of federal statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs) - would be terminated.
This decision reversed a long-standing practice perfected by previous Umno-BN governments, which used such appointments as rewards for party loyalists and a backdoor entry for defeated election candidates.
Malaysians did not celebrate, knowing that Umno - which had once benefited from this system - was now on the losing end.
Still, many were swayed by Pakatan Harapan leader Anwar Ibrahim, particularly by the coalition’s manifesto, which promised, among other things, an elected Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
The manifesto stated: “The Harapan government will work hard to empower democracy and transparency in DBKL through systematic methods. This effort will ensure that all Malaysians can elect representation that is reliable, inclusive, and represents the interests of the people, not the developers.”
One of Harapan’s most prominent pledges was to end political appointments in Anwar’s administration.
Overnight change
But it didn’t take long for Malaysians to realise that political promises can change overnight - or, in this case, within months. By March 2023, the floodgates had opened, and a wave of political appointments followed.
In an about-turn, Anwar defended the practice, stating that political figures could be appointed to GLCs - provided they met certain qualifications.
“I never said that individuals involved in politics cannot be part of (GLC) management. However, they should be bound by certain conditions and have the required qualifications in the relevant fields,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi echoed this sentiment, justifying the appointment of Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki as Majlis Amanah Rakyat chairperson by citing his expertise in Islamic banking.
Other appointments included Noraini Ahmad (Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority) and Shaik Hussein Mydin (Penang Regional Development Authority).
On paper, these appointees were supposedly chosen for their credentials. In reality, it seemed only Umno loyalists possessed such “qualifications” - not technocrats or independent experts.
Unsurprisingly, Umno, as the government’s “senior partner,” operated on a simple principle: you ask, you get.
‘Acceptable’ appointments
At last month’s PKR convention, Anwar went further, declaring that political appointments for “qualified” individuals were acceptable and not an abuse of power. He termed them as a “reward” for party service.
The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) issued a scathing rebuke, accusing Anwar of betraying reformist ideals by prioritising political loyalty over integrity.
Anwar’s political secretary, Kamil Abdul Munim, later attempted damage control, claiming such appointments were limited to village chiefs to “bridge the gap between the government and the people.”
Transport Minister Anthony LokeIt was some consolation when Transport Minister Anthony Loke declared that he was the only political appointee in his ministry and that there are no such appointees in public transport bodies.
But here, others who have been politically connected persons under the purview of the ministry are glaring, especially the Port Klang Authority (PKA).
Made infamous by the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal, which has cost taxpayers RM12.4 billion, it is now led by Ean Yong Hian Wah, the DAP leader and former Selangor exco.
A quick glance at the board’s composition reveals more political figures among the directors.
Loke can and must move to “cleanse” PKA and other agencies so that the people will consider Loke and DAP as the exception to the age-old Umno-BN convention of rewarding cronies and allies selectively.
It may be an uphill task under the current “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” unwritten role with the components of the Madani government, but when the rakyat see appointment of children and spouses into powerful positions, how would they react? - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who strives to uphold the ethos of civil rights leader John Lewis: “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.” Comments: [email protected]
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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