By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 5: Political leaders who are facing criminal charges in court or who have not been cleared of the same should not be considered for appointment to any ministerial posts in the 8th Prime Minister’s new cabinet, according to Datuk Idris Buang who is Muara Tuang assemblyman and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief
Voicing his concerns that bringing “such politicians” aboard the band-wagon would create undesirable perceptions about and pose obstacles to the new cabinet, he expressed trust and belief that Prime Minister Muhyiddin possesses the wisdom and experience to make the right choice in the interest of the nation.
“Political leaders who are charged with corruption cases themselves should also have the understanding and take the initiative to allow others within the party to be appointed, instead of themselves, for the sake of the nation.
“To me, those leaders who are facing charges in court should not only not be appointed to the cabinet but also abstain even from partaking in or making recommendations for others from their respective parties because there is every ‘likelihood of conflict of interest’,” Idris said.
He added that although it is trite law that ‘one is deemed innocent until proven otherwise’, it is also a matter of universal good governance and best practices, which is now trending in a guided democracy.
“Therefore, ‘tainted’ personalities who are in any such position of influence must humbly back out or leave the scene for a while. He may come back, if all is well again.
“Malaysia is already in such a bad shape where the nation has been called a kleptocracy by the international community. We should not continue to let it happen but insist that those who are being charged in court for corruption not to be appointed as cabinet members,” Idris who is a practising Kuching-based lawyer told DayakDaily.
He opined that the new government led by Muhyiddin should start with a clean slate where uncorrupted and visionary leaders should be given the opportunity to lead the nation.
He asserted that Malaysia needs to have a clean start and the presence of those suspected of corruption would slow down the pace of systematic reforms within the government.
“Following the appointment of clean and untainted ministers, there may be possibility of governmental reforms and Malaysia may slowly rebuild its reputation and image,” said Idris. — DayakDaily
