MALAYSIA
Malaysia’s powerful Public Service union has reiterated its stance that no politically-appointed “outsiders” should head core Public Service Agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
President of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs), Adnan Mat (pictured) said this was necessary to ensure the smooth running of Agencies in the event of a change of Government.
“These appointed individuals would resign from their respective posts if there is a change in Government,” Mr Adnan said.
“This, in turn, can adversely affect Government services and create a poor perception of existing Government services,” he said.
“Civil Servants should continue to remain neutral — they should enhance their professionalism, increase productivity and strengthen their interdependence in carrying out their tasks for the betterment of the people and the development of the country.”
He said that at a time when a new Government had yet to be formed “Civil Servants should continue to provide services and not be influenced by the political situation in the country”.
Earlier, Mr Adnan had called for future Attorneys-General to be appointed from the Public Service.
“There are many Public Servants in the existing legal and judicial services who have the extensive experience and knowledge to advise the Government,” he said.
“Furthermore, Public Servants have always adopted a neutral stance in carrying out their duties for the people and the nation.”
The most recent Attorney-General, Tommy Thomas, was appointed to the post from private practice. He recently resigned from the position following the resignation of Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister.
Kuala Lumpur, 10 March 2020
