Is Political Appointments Still the Norm Under Unity Government?

A total of 95 political appointments to federal statutory bodies (FSBs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) have been made under the unity government. The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) noted that while political appointments “remain the norm”, the number is relatively lower compared to the two previous administrations — Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri’s government made 273 appointments, and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration made 186. 

The highest number of political appointments tracked by IDEAS, which monitors 135 FSBs and 283 GLCs across five administrations, occurred under the Barisan Nasional (BN) government with 301 appointees. The persistence of political appointments in both FSBs and GLCs highlights the deep entrenchment of political influence in public sector governance.

 

From the latest FSB data compiled by IDEAS and its partner MyMP, updated in September 2024, the highest number of appointees comes from Umno and PKR. Umno holds 22 appointments, nearly as many as PKR (17) and Amanah (7) combined, which have 24. 

There are four key figures with multiple appointments, including Anwar and Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli from PKR; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president; and former Penang executive committee member Yeoh Soon Hin of DAP. 

As for appointments to GLC subsidiaries, data up to October 2023 shows that 16 appointments were made under the Anwar-led government, behind Mahathir (13), and ahead of Muhyiddin (31), Najib (32) and Ismail Sabri (33). It should be noted, however, that these findings only track a small fraction of GLCs, as the Audit (Accounts of Companies) Order 2017 listed up to 1,858 GLCs. 

The government must strengthen its commitment to good governance and integrity. There is a need for transparent public body appointments and a cooling-off period for former politicians, to avoid conflicts of interest. Can’t we do a Public Appointments Commission just like the Public Services Commission for government-service appointments? Why must we allow for politicians to interfere in GLCs and GLICs? They have been disastrous with the “meddling” they do! We not only need transparent processes but also committed professionals, if we are to forge ahead.

 

Reference:

Political appointments still the norm under unity govt, albeit reduced – IDEAS, Choy Nyen Yiau, theedgemalaysia.com, 3 October 2024