Civil service group: PM must ditch political appointments, favouritism

The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his upcoming cabinet to avoid political appointments and favouritism in civil service appointments.

Its president Adnan Mat said it hopes that the unity government would give priority only to capable and competent public servants to fill civil service positions.

He said political interference (campur tangan politik) should be avoided to enable those appointed to be truly capable of assisting and giving the best advice to the cabinet.

Adnan (above) said appointing those from outside (the civil service) would restrict work development in the civil service as there are capable public servants qualified in various fields who should be given the opportunity instead.

Favouritism and political appointments, he said, must be set aside because it can disturb the harmony within the civil service itself.

“Elements of favouritism ought to be avoided, especially in appointing the highest positions, because it can jeopardise the civil service operations if those appointed are not competent.

“(Any) Appointment of officers due to being ‘favoured’ by certain politicians worryingly may not be able to carry out their responsibilities effectively, especially in giving the best advice to the minister in question,” Adnan said in a media statement issued by Cuepacs today.

He explained that while Cuepacs in principle has no issues with political appointments of those with capability, it is better for the continued effectiveness of the government department following the transition in administration for appointments be of those from the civil service.

“Those who are appointed based on politics would step down or be forced to relinquish the post when there is a change in government.

“This could jeopardise government service and bring about less than positive perception on existing public servants,” Adnan said.

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