Political appointees must perform professionally — analyst
LABUAN: Political appointees must perform professionally and avoid political elements in discharging government’s official duties.
Several members of parliaments and leaders from the ruling government parties have been appointed as chairman in government statutory bodies (Badan Berkanun) and government-linked companies (GLCs), whose academic backgrounds are noticeably unrelated to their chairmanship’s roles and functions.
An academician and local political analyst Dr Romzi Ationg opined that too much politicking would only benefit the political appointees but the agencies or GLCs they represent would be in bad shape and the system might end up haywire.
He cited the recent appointment of Kota Kinabalu MP from DAP Chan Foong Hin by Ministry of Transport (MOT) as Labuan Port Authority (LPA) chairman whose background is that of a water treatment specialist.
“The Kota Kinabalu MP is a DAP leader and he had been appointed as the chairman of an agency under the MOT whose minister is a DAP leader. To avoid a negative perception from the people, the Kota Kinabalu MP must attend to his duties professionally and not for political gains,” he said.
Dr. Romzi also expressed disappointment over the attitude among many politicians, in particular the ruling politicians today.
He generally felt that some politicians today tend to exploit their position to influence and ensure their men (cronies) and relatives get considered for appointment to some key position in government bodies including statutory bodies.
Thus, he reckoned their relatives may get what they want (job) due to such connection.
This shows the attitude of politicians of the past, which made voters voted against them, and not for continuity.
“For this reason, ruling politicians may face the possibility of losing office in the next election as the phenomenon of playing with political power for their own and family interest is applicable in several GLCs and government offices,” he noted.
Dr. Romzi said losing office is the result of such attitude, and to avoid this, they must always walk the talk and start to serve the people with integrity.