Analyst: Appointing losing candidates as ministers a 'bad Umno culture'

A political analyst has criticised the proposal to appoint ministers from among those who had lost in the general election.

Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the best option would be for those who had won to be appointed as ministers.

The Universiti Malaya academic said appointing candidates who had lost in the election into the cabinet was a "bad Umno culture" which should not be followed.

"There are many others who won in the election that can be appointed to the cabinet.

"If those who lost are appointed, it's like those who won are being denied their rights in a democracy and those who lost are being recognised," he told Malaysiakini.

His comment came in response to Kelantan Bersatu which had submitted three names to be considered for a minister or deputy minister post to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. 

The trio proposed are Kelantan Bersatu deputy chief Sazmi Miah, Amanah vice-president Husam Musa, and Kelantan PKR chief Ab Aziz Ab Kadir.

All three lost in their bids to capture parliamentary seats during the May 9 general election.

Thus far, Mahathir's cabinet has 14 ministers. Mahathir had said that the remaining portfolios will be divided equally among the four Pakatan Harapan component parties.

Meanwhile, Awang Azman noted how there was a possibility of Pakatan Harapan's candidate for the Chempaka state Nik Omar Nik Abdul Aziz being considered for a cabinet post.

"This is because although he had lost, he managed to display the moderate Islam image which had also positively impacted Harapan's victories in other states.

"However, Mahathir has to consider many other aspects instead of heeding emotional appeals by various quarters. Choosing the wrong minister will lead to a deficit trust of the government," he said.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) lecturer Mazlan Ali, however, pointed out how it would be difficult for the Harapan government to monitor the administration of Kelantan and Terengganu as it has no representatives there.

As such, Mazlan believes it would only be appropriate for a minister and a deputy minister to be appointed from both states.

"They will be the liaisons between the federal government and the people in Kelantan and Terengganu.

"Having representatives in the two states will lead to more allocation and development for the people as well as opening more administrative roles for the two states," he added. -Mkini