THE emphasis on political accountability of the executive, in tandem with the recent years of political instability and jostling, have somewhat dimmed the focus on the second, much larger component of the executive arm of government – the civil service. 

Civil servants, like their political bosses, are funded by public funds, and should face some degree of accountability. 

For example, the recent fiasco revolving around Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki.  

While we saw politicians experience major blowback for discounted bungalows and 1Malaysia Development Bhd, public sentiment on this debacle seems milder. 

Even opposition politicians seem to issue only tempered statements on this, urging investigations, preferring to leave the firebrand demands to their youth wings.  

Government responses were lukewarm to say the least. Some political party leaders from PAS even seem to support the embattled commissioner.

The only exception to the general silence was Umno’s youth wing, who have rightly demanded a thorough and independent investigation on the alleged wrongdoings. 

The tacit allegiance from some politicians can after all, be expected. Barisan Nasional leaders have long learnt, as Pakatan Harapan did the hard way in its 22 months in power, that Malaysian politicians heavily rely on the support of the civil service, on everything from votes to implementation of policies.

Some political observers have gone the extra mile to describe the “deep state”. Civil servants make or break politicians. 

It is perhaps this culture of allegiance that led many on the MACC board and its senior officers, speaking on behalf of the entire workforce, to issue statements in support of Azam’s leadership. 

These are all quite unnecessary. Rather, a proper investigation, independent and above reproach, would certainly find in either way – to exonerate or find him culpable.

In the end, the country wins, the civil service reputation remains intact, and with it, the reputation of all those involved in the relevant appointments and its running. 

This culture, perhaps, needs to change. The inability of government organs to check on each other and within itself, whether real or perceived, goes against Montesquieu’s very intention of the separation of powers.  

While civil servants execute the policy of the “government of the day”, it is very much still part of that same government and must be empowered to investigate, prosecute and punish, if needed, the policymakers for breaking the law.

Political leaders in charge of the government must, vice versa, not hesitate to do the same against top civil servants.   

Loyalty should not be to personality cults and individuals, rather to the integrity of the government itself, and to the people who rely on them for good governance, direction and administration. 

For example, the Social Welfare Department’s public relations episode with its minister during the floods. There was no real need for ministry staff to get involved in issuing defensive clarifications, but by doing so, it has opened itself to criticism and even ridicule.   

Cross-checking and demanding accountability should be normalised and not tinged with political or even racial lenses. 

When Selangor executive councillor V. Ganabatirau demanded the same, albeit a bit harshly, he was roundly criticised and the issue was even spun to be seen as a racial one.

It was later revealed he had a great point, and was right after the spoiled pumps he was questioning, failed to save Taman Sri Muda from terrible flooding, causing loss of lives and millions in damages. 

Malaysia needs plenty of work to catch up with its neighbours and the world, and we cannot afford to do so without total transparency and openness.  

Civil servants and politicians in charge need to realise they are two sides of the same coin, and that one bad side brings down the other. – January 12, 2022.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.