ELECTORAL watchdog Bersih has called out Muhyiddin Yassin for promising to reward voters who support Perikatan Nasional in the six state elections by granting them positions in government-linked-companies (GLC).  

Bersih averred that the promise of political appointments is an affront to good governance and an abuse of state power.

Such a scenario is not new in Malaysia. The call for proper legislature to be enacted to replace these political appointments has been made countless times.  

A public or political appointment happens when someone is chosen for a job or duty in a public office. These appointments are made by political bureaucracies at the upper level.  

In the United Kingdom, the Governance Code for Public Appointments sets out the process and principles that underpin all public appointments.  

Candidates go through a pre-appointment public hearing by a select committee. This enables the proper checks and balances.  

The Seven Principles of Public Life – known as the Nolan Principle – applies to anyone who works as a public officeholder. These are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.  

The above could inspire the unity government in applying its Madani values.  

Proper and transparent appointments should be given only to the most deserving. – July 3, 2023.  

* Matilda George reads The Malaysian Insight.  

* 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.