Malaysian politician: Political background shouldn't bar individuals from key posts

Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Deputy President of UMNO, has asserted that a person's political background should not automatically preclude them from holding significant positions within institutions. He argued against a blanket dismissal of individuals with political experience, emphasizing that their suitability must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering their individual background, capabilities, and integrity.

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We cannot make blanket statements or generalizations.

"We cannot make blanket statements or generalizations," Mohamad stated, responding to the view that active politicians in institutional roles can negatively impact an organization's image. He pointed out that some politicians have successfully managed organizations, while individuals without political affiliations can sometimes perform worse. "People who are not political sometimes, in their organizations, are even worse, with more things done," he added.

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People who are not political sometimes, in their organizations, are even worse, with more things done

His remarks come in the wake of a recommendation by the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into Tabung Haji (TH), a Malaysian Hajj savings fund. The RCI suggested that active politicians should not be appointed as Chairman or board members of TH to safeguard the institution's independence and integrity. The commission cited concerns that political involvement could create various public perceptions.

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It is up to the individual. To place an individual in any organization, a complete investigation must be made regarding their background and capabilities.

Mohamad further elaborated that the selection process for key positions requires thorough scrutiny of an individual's background and abilities. "It is up to the individual. To place an individual in any organization, a complete investigation must be made regarding their background and capabilities," he said. He stressed that competence and integrity are paramount when appointing individuals to important roles. Additionally, Mohamad advised the current management of Tabung Haji to learn from the governance weaknesses exposed by the RCI, urging them to strengthen and tighten internal controls to prevent future harm to the institution.

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So the current management of Tabung Haji needs to take a lesson so that the weaknesses in work governance within the organization need to be strengthened and tightened.