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KUCHING, Sept 24: Should elected representatives especially cabinet ministers and deputy ministers undertake studies for higher degrees?
Political analyst Prof Dr Jayum Jawan of Universiti Putra Malaysia asserts this should not be the case as while this may not be legally wrong, it is not morally and ethically right.
He said he noticed that of late, society celebrated and newspapers highlighted the accomplishments of certain elected officials such as MPs and assembly members as well as ministers who undertook studies leading to higher degrees, either Master’s or PhDs.
All this, he said, was done while they were holding their respective elected positions, including some who were members of the Cabinet at Federal and State-level, as well as deputy ministers.
“Well, if these elected representatives were doing this to show and motivate their constituents, I say they are doing the right thing in the wrong way.
“This action was rather irresponsible, ill-advised and as well as morally not right and ethically could not be sustained,” said Jayum in a statement.
He said these elected representatives who are doing anything else other than the job for which they were elected are clearly not showing a good example as they are paid to be full-time elected representatives, with some being Cabinet members or deputy ministers.
“Thus, some are holding two jobs and receiving double pay and yet they still find the time to do other things that are personal in nature, e.g. studying for a degree, and for which they, I would suggest, are misusing their paid time.
“Although this may not be legally wrong, but it is not right morally and ethically,” said Jayum.
He said, as lawmakers, they should set good a example for the people and for members of the civil service who are required to get written permission to even give a lecture and be paid for it if the task is one that is separate from their own university or place of work.
“Reformation touted by the 11th Prime Minister (Dato Seri) Anwar Ibrahim, must include this less honourable pursuit by honourable members of the lawmaking institutions at state, regional and federal levels. There must be one standard for all,” said Dr Jayum. — DayakDaily
