PROVIDING ministerial benefits to politicians to represent the government is a form of corruption, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“This is a form of corruption because he (the recipient) will be focused on the benefits that he may get from the post, which is equivalent to that of ministers, instead of concentrating on the role,” the Langkawi MP said while debating the Royal Address.

The Pejuang chairman did not name anyone in particular, but he has criticised former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin of this previously.

Muhyiddin was appointed chairman of the national recovery council by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who in doing so conferred ministerial status to his predecessor.

Dr Mahathir said there were no provisions for such roles under the Federal Constitution.

“There should be a set of criteria on appointments with ministerial status to avoid abuse.”

However, he also admitted to similar appointments during his tenure as prime minister

“I admit (I did this) but the post was given to someone who had retired from politics. The post was given due to expertise in certain fields,” he said, adding that the government must put an end to such practices as part of reforms. – September 20, 2021.