![](http://mk-cdn.mkini.net/1088/b75fcd1cd5fdf2af3a8e43f06fe07371.jpg)
Newly-minted auditor-general Madinah Mohamad should be given a chance to prove that she is a person of integrity, despite her husband's political affiliation, said former treasurer-general Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim.
In a statement today, Mohd Sheriff said it was "unfair" to jump to conclusions on Madinah's appointment and that she must be given a chance to prove that she can be trusted to perform her duties without fear or favour, just as her predecessor Ambrin Buang did.
"Ambrin's exposure of the weaknesses in financial management and the abuse of power at the administrative and political levels made him one of the most respected civil servants," said Mohd Sheriff, who is now known for his work with G25, a pressure group comprising mostly of senior Malay civil servants.
Madinah's appointment had raised questions on her independence because her husband Rizuan Abdul Hamid is the Kepong Umno division head who had once claimed that he would "die" for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
It was also revealed that Najib had intervened when a bank tried to declare Rizuan bankrupt.
Critics also pointed out that Madinah, who was previously the Education Ministry secretary-general, had no experience in auditing, financial management or accounting and was therefore not qualified for the job.
Make future appointments transparent
For future appointments top management civil servants, Mohd Sheriff proposed that candidates be subjected to confirmation hearings by a panel under the Public Services Commission to ensure transparency.
The veteran civil servant said the hearing would consider testimonies from interested parties on the suitability of the candidate for the job.
"The candidate will be asked questions to determine that he or she is fit and proper and can be trusted to hold such an important post.
"If there are doubts about the person's credentials and integrity, it is better to drop him or her at the early stage, rather than appoint the wrong person and expose the government to embarrassing gossips and speculations about the appointment," he said.
Mohd Sheriff said relevant agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Inland Revenue Board could provide testimonies during such hearings to test the credibility of the candidates.
"Times have changed and the entire public service should change too in the way it promotes and rewards its officers so that they can stand tall and say they have reached the top on merit.
"This will go a long way to make our public service among the most respected in the world," he said.- Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.