In a candid blog post, Abdul Hamid expressed his frustration with the cycle of political appointments, arguing that such practices often pave the way for abuse of power and misuse of public funds. “Enough is enough. Politicians should be confined to political posts,” he stated.
Integrity Over Politics
Abdul Hamid stressed that integrity should be the foremost criterion for appointments to GLCs, followed by relevant expertise and professional qualifications. He criticized the culture of rewarding politicians with GLC posts as compensation for losing government positions or to appease political demands.
“Political considerations are irrelevant for positions in GLCs or government agencies,” he wrote, adding that many individuals enter politics as a shortcut to wealth, disregarding rules and ethics.
The Root of the Problem
The former top judge highlighted how political leaders often increase the number of ministerial and deputy ministerial positions to accommodate political allies, leaving little room for merit-based appointments. He pointed out that when these politicians are unable to secure government posts, they are offered lucrative positions in GLCs and agencies instead.
“They are not appointed for their suitability but as compensation. Initially, they may not interfere in management, but old habits die hard. That’s when abuse of power begins,” Abdul Hamid explained.
Scandals and Lack of Accountability
Abdul Hamid lamented the string of scandals involving political appointees in GLCs, many of whom escape accountability. “We read about one scandal after another, yet these individuals are quietly removed instead of being charged in court,” he observed.
A Case in Point
Although he didn’t mention specific names, Abdul Hamid’s remarks likely reference the appointment of former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohd Isa Samad as acting chairman of the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) after his controversial tenure as chairman of Felda Global Ventures (FGV). Isa’s new role drew criticism from various quarters, including opposition leaders and taxi drivers, who argued it undermined public trust.
A Call for Change
Abdul Hamid’s plea is clear: GLCs and agencies must prioritize integrity and professionalism over political expediency. He concluded by urging leaders to rethink the practice of appointing politicians to such roles, noting that doing so risks perpetuating scandals and eroding public confidence in governance.
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