Contracts of all political appointees to be terminated

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has decided to end the tenures of chairmen and board members who are regarded as political appointees in Federal statutory bodies and government-linked corporations.

It is understood the decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (Dec 14).

A directive signed by Government Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali (pic) has already been issued to the secretaries-general of all ministries.

The decision would also affect those appointed into the Minister of Finance (Incorporated) as well as government-linked investment entities.

Sources said the decision was made following a lengthy discussion with ministers who acknowledged that there were some political appointees who were competent and could perform and how to draw the line between them and those who did not.

"In the end, it was decided that a blanket decision would be made to end political appointments," said a source.

However, some ministers, when contacted, said that discretionary power should be given to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to make fresh appointments.

One minister said the decision was in line with the new culture of transparency under Anwar's leadership.

"It should be a move that will be welcomed by many Malaysians but some of us hope there will be some clarity as we feel competent and experienced personalities should be considered.

"But it is the call of the Prime Minister and he must be given the authority to decide."