KUALA LUMPUR – The appointment of politicians into the government and given ministerial ranks is a form of bribery, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Langkawi-Pejuang).
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, the former prime minister highlighted how several appointments have been made recently to fill up certain positions that are not provided by the federal constitution.
“There is no criteria stating that ministerial ranks can be accorded to any appointment. But we know when they are given ministerial ranks, these individuals will enjoy all the benefits given to cabinet members.
“This is a form of bribery, too, as it is not focused on the duty that is to be carried, but more on the benefits being given to these people,” he said in debating the royal address in Parliament today.
While Dr Mahathir did not name names, the practice has been employed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Bera-BN), and his predecessor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh-Bersatu).
Since coming into power last month, Ismail Sabri has already made a slew of appointments with ministerial ranks, with the contentious one being Muhyiddin appointed as chairman of the National Recovery Council.
Other than that, Ismail Sabri had also maintained the previous appointments of Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (Maran-PAS), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu-GPS) and Datuk Seri Richard Riot (Serian-GPS) as Malaysia’s special envoys.
Dr Mahathir acknowledged that during his time as prime minister, he had also made an appointment with ministerial rank, but said this was done based on merit.
“That position was given to a person who has already retired from politics, and the appointment was made because of his expertise in that particular field,” he said, but stopped short of revealing the name of the individual.
“By right, we should have a specific criteria before we appoint anybody with ministerial ranks. Otherwise, this will be used as a bribe to government supporters.”
He said this practice must cease, as part of the government’s reform agenda. – The Vibes, September 20, 2021
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