KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s recent decisions regarding top appointments and extensions in national institutions are raising serious concerns over transparency and consistency.
Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari expressed unease over what he described as the emergence of “double standards” in the handling of appointments involving key national figures.
He referred to the decision not to extend the tenure of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, despite the overwhelming support she received from the legal community, academia, civil society, and the general public.
“This extension was allowed under the Federal Constitution, yet the government chose not to exercise it. In contrast, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki—who has faced widespread objections from Members of Parliament, legal experts, and anti-corruption activists—has had his term extended three times,” he said.
While acknowledging the Prime Minister’s constitutional role in advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on such appointments, Ahmad Fadhli raised a more fundamental question: what standards or criteria are actually being used in these decisions?
“Is merit and integrity still the benchmark, or have political considerations completely taken over?” he asked.
He also questioned whether the decision not to extend Tun Tengku Maimun’s service was influenced by her frequent statements and rulings that were seemingly not in line with the government’s interests.
“To be clear, I’m not defending all her judgments. In fact, some of her decisions may not align with the aspirations of PAS. But what I’m questioning here is the government’s standard in determining who gets an extension and who doesn’t,” he added.
He warned that if firmness and principle are reasons to reject, while controversy and dispute are grounds for extension, the government is eroding public trust in core national institutions.
“Transparency is no longer optional – it’s an urgent necessity in upholding the rule of law. Stop manipulating public perception. Uphold the supremacy of the constitution and the integrity of our institutions,” he urged.
In closing, he sarcastically remarked that the current administration could carry on with its current practices, “but one thing is almost certain: you will not remain the government after GE16.” – HARAKAHDAILY 29/6/2025
