Ex-MP lists 7 reforms to boost transparency in GLC, statutory body appointments

 Kua Kia Soong says the Marina Ibrahim controversy shows how public institutions risk becoming extensions of party management.

Former MP and Suhakam director Kua Kia Soong said Malaysians should ask whether statutory bodies serve the public interest or function as part of party politics.

PETALING JAYA:

A former lawmaker and civil society leader has proposed a series of reforms to improve transparency and accountability in appointments to government-linked companies (GLCs) and statutory bodies.

Former Suaram director and former MP Kua Kia Soong said in a statement today that the controversy involving Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim illustrated how deeply normalised and persistent political patronage had become.

“This disclosure is troubling. Not because Marina is necessarily unqualified. Not because political leaders should be excluded from public institutions.

And not because only one party is involved. It is troubling because it illustrates how public institutions risk being treated as extensions of party management,” he said.

The controversy began when Marina announced on May 31 that she was leaving politics and would not seek re-election in Skudai.

Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching responded by disclosing that the party had planned to move Marina to contest the Tiram seat, and that she had intended to propose Marina for the chairmanship of a statutory body regardless of the electoral outcome.

A letter purportedly written by Marina to Teo, stemming from a May 17 discussion, was later circulated on social media. In the letter, Marina rejected the seat transfer and declined the offer described as a GLC post.

Kua called for seven reforms, including the creation of an independent public appointments commission to oversee major appointments through transparent selection criteria and conflict-of-interest checks.

He also proposed parliamentary confirmation hearings for senior posts in major statutory bodies and GLCs, alongside full public disclosure of qualifications, political affiliations, and selection process.

Other reforms include restricting active politicians from holding paid board positions, introducing fixed-term performance-based reviews, publishing annual appointment reports, and enacting anti-patronage legislation to define conflicts of interest and nepotism.

“The question Malaysians should ask is simple: do statutory bodies belong to the public, or do they function as part of the machinery of party politics?” Kua asked.

“Until appointment systems become transparent, meritocratic, and accountable, promises of political reform will continue colliding with old habits of patronage.” - FMT