Dr M: Until constitutional change empowers PSC, the PM appoints

PUTRAJAYA: Until the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) is legally functioning, government appointments will ultimately be decided by the Prime Minister, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The premier said changes to the Federal Constitution were required before the PSC could function.

“We intend to have the PSC, but to do that we need to change some provisions in the Constitution.

“And to do that, we need a two-thirds majority; the government currently does not have a two-thirds majority.

“So at the moment, we go with the old idea of making appointments, that is, ‘the Prime Minister decides’,” Dr Mahathir told a press conference after chairing the Economic Action Council meeting at his office here Tuesday (June 11).

He was also asked if recent appointments, such as that of the Inspector-General of Police, had gone through the Cabinet.

“I am not required to consult the Cabinet.

“I can ask for opinions from various people and then I decide based on the merits of the case,” said Dr Mahathir.

One of Pakatan Harapan's pledges in its 14th General Election manifesto was to ensure that top government appointments would be chosen by Parliament.

The recent appointment of Latheefa Koya as the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner courted controversy as it did not go through Parliament or the Cabinet.