KUALA LUMPUR – Fresh appointments for top government posts such as the chief secretary, chief justice, and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) commissioner will help the administration remove the stigma of political interference involving these key positions.
This comes as the tenure of those occupying the posts is expected to end this year.
Prof Azmi Hassan, a geostrategist and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, emphasised the importance of appointing qualified individuals to these positions to mitigate concerns regarding potential political interference.
He suggested that, except for the chief justice, who is nearing retirement, fresh appointments for the chief secretary and MACC commissioner could usher in new visions and missions for the government, potentially dispelling any related accusations against the prime minister.
“Given the sensitivity of these key positions, it’s crucial to consider new appointments, especially as accusations of political interference continue to surface,” Hassan said.
“We have a pool of qualified senior officers who can competently fill these roles, ensuring continuity and integrity in governance.”
The tenure of Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali as chief secretary is expected to end on August 10, following a two-year extension granted on August 11, 2022.
Similarly, Tan Sri Azam Baki’s term as MACC commissioner may conclude this May, following his re-appointment last year.
Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tun Mat, aged 65, is also anticipated to step down this July, unless her service is extended for another six months in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
The development led to speculations on whether the three individuals would resume their services or whether new appointments would be implemented among qualified senior officials and judges.
According to Article 122B of the Federal Constitution, the Federal Court’s chief justice, the appellate court president, and the high court judges, must be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who acts as the prime minister’s adviser after consulting with the council of kings.
The same applies to other judges in all the courts, subject to Article 122C of the constitution.
Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Awang Pawi stressed the need for fresh appointments in the public service sector to nurture leadership and ensure dynamism.
He said that the availability of replacements should inspire confidence in the sector’s talent pool.
“It’s imperative for the government to instigate new appointments for these roles to foster leadership development within the public service sector,” Awang said.
“There are undoubtedly qualified candidates capable of assuming these responsibilities.”
Abdul Rahman Nordin, secretary-general of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services, acknowledged that the decision rests with the government but advised that appointing new officials would be prudent.
“The decision ultimately lies with the government, but it would be advisable to consider fresh appointments for these key positions,” he remarked.
As discussions continue, the nation awaits clarity on whether continuity or change will mark the future leadership of these pivotal roles. – March 21, 2024