A former Malaysian diplomat has written an explosive new book, claiming former Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad was responsible for “the rot” in the country’s Public Service.
In the book, Paradise Lost: Mahathir & The End of Hope, Dennis Ignatius (pictured) claimed Dr Mahathir disdained the idea of independent-minded officials who provided apolitical service.
Mr Ignatius alleged Dr Mahathir craved a more subservient bureaucracy that was “ready to do his bidding” and those who got in his way were removed.
Blind loyalty, he noted, became the most important requirement for career advancement.
Mr Ignatius said Dr Mahathir’s successors continued with the policy.
“The cumulative result is plain to see — a bloated and increasingly corrupt Civil Service that has lost its professionalism and competence,” Mr Ignatius said.
“Instead of servicing the nation, the nation now exists to service the Civil Service,” he said.
Mr Ignatius said politicians were fully aware of the rot in the Public Service and the urgency for reform but it seemed they had neither the will nor wisdom to make changes.
The former diplomat said reforming the bureaucracy had become an “almost impossible endeavour”.
For one, the Government had become the employer of last resort for those unable to compete for jobs in the private sector.
“Without the Civil Service to absorb them, the Government would face explosive levels of discontent. Like it or not, reducing the size of the bureaucracy is not an option,” he said.
Secondly, Mr Ignatius said politicians were hesitant about confronting the bureaucracy as it represented an important vote bank.
Former Treasury official, Ramon Navaratnam, while claiming some of Mr Ignatius’ accusations were “exaggeration… hyperbole”, acknowledged that there was no hiding from many of the other claims.
“Mahathir was suspicious of Civil Servants and their loyalty towards him. He thought he knew more than anyone,” Mr Navaratnam said.
“However, it is still a good Civil Service. How do you think the Government was run while the politicians were busy politicking,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur, 12 September
