MALAYSIA
Malaysia’s Public Service Department (PSD) says Government workers should be barred from holding any official posts in political parties to avoid conflicts of interest and abuse of power.
Under current laws, PS employees are allowed to hold posts in political parties, with the exception of management-level personnel in the education sector.
The proposal, which the PSD is still discussing, will be forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Department for possible Cabinet approval.
A source at the PSD said the Agency was seeking feedback from Ministries and Departments on the proposal.
“After getting the feedback, a proposal paper will be sent to the Cabinet to be deliberated,” the source said.
It is understood the proposal came after the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition complained that some PS employees were members of parties supporting the former Government.
Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pictured) has reiterated that reform could not be carried out as his administration faced internal sabotage in the Public Service.
The source said the PSD was also considering stopping the practice of political appointments on a contract basis for certain Ministry posts, especially in the communications units.
Ministers and Deputy Ministers are free to appoint their senior personal secretaries, private secretaries, special officers and press officers.
Ministers can also appoint heads of their communications units — something that was previously determined by the Information Department.
The source said conflicts arise when the appointees are also office-bearers in political parties.
Kuala Lumpur, 29 May 2019
