The Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4) congratulates Mohamed Azmin Ali over his appointment as the new Menteri Besar of the State of Selangor.
The Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4) congratulates Mohamed Azmin Ali over his appointment as the new Menteri Besar of the State of Selangor.
While the appointment today ends more than 8 months of undesired political upheaval, uncertainty and mud slinging in trying to resolve the protracted crisis of the replacement of the Menteri Besar, an unfortunate outcome is that Selangorians have grown disillusioned, frustrated and deeply disappointed, wondering if the whole episode was necessary at all.
Much time and public confidence has been lost with this political imbroglio, leaving Azmin Ali with no comforts of a honey-moon period. He must hit the ground running in administering the nation’s wealthiest State with utmost integrity, competency and accountability.
Azmin Ali must show what he can do better than the previous Menteri Besar and put urgent plans forward to win back the hearts of the people of Selangor with competent, credible and clean administrative policies.
Its back to work and we have urgent recommendations for the new Menteri Besar’s serious consideration.
- CLEAN TRANSPARENT ACCOUNTABLE ADMINISTRATION – Uphold a clean, transparent and accountable administration. This all the more crucial for Azmin Ali, as he steps into the top job, carrying an unflattering reputation by many quarters of not abiding of good governance policies, given his leadership style, UMNO politician background and tendency to build supporters through crony politics. Reversing this perception by using the high chair of the Menteri Besar, must be a top priority for him. Furthermore, abounding and unresolved allegations of wrongdoing against him, must be responded to urgently, to dispel any doubts that could tarnish his good name.
- OPEN GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP – Subscribe to an open government partnership, where government and civil society work to push for greater accountability must be an important part of his day-to-day administration. This includes proper conduct of State Government Linked Companies (GLCs), from transparent appointments to making public financial statements, as well as efficient and competent running of local councils.
- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Ensure public participation as a cornerstone of the administration, paying heed to public consultations and dialogues as a key strategy of shaping public policy. We certainly would NOT want a repeat of the previous administration mistakes over KIDEX and other big infrastructure projects carried out without sufficient notice and knowledge to the people.
- PRUDENT FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION – There has been much concern and worry about whether the whole change of Menteri Besar was about breaking the RM 3 billion Selangor coffers saved during the tenure of outgoing Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. The usage of these funds must be carried out in the most transparent manner to ensure no abuse and mismanagement.
- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION POLICIES TO BE THE PILLAR OF ADMINISTRATION – Put to active use the principles of “the right to know” as enshrined in the Freedom of Information Act, by promoting access to information of all important projects undertaken by the State.
- LOCAL ELECTIONS PLEASE – Bring back local elections as promised. The appointment system of local councilors have been tainted over the last five years of administration, with power struggles and factions of political parties dominating the appointment process, leading to inadequately qualified councilors tasked with making decisions they are incapable of. The only way to ensure public funds are administered well is to ensure that the people vote in their representatives at the local government level.
- OPEN TENDERS, PROCUREMENT & CONTRACTS – Revamp system of awarding contracts and strengthen public procurement measures by upholding system of open tenders, ensuring effective systems of awarding contracts based on capability and not based on secret crony deals, systems to blacklist errant contractors, and make the public the eyes and ears of an efficient public service delivery system.
- PUBLIC SERVICE OMBUDSMAN FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE – The most important of our proposals is to implement a public service Ombudsman for good governance, an independent oversight mechanism that is tasked to oversee and manage better public services in the State. Administering internal investigations of public sector complaints as an independent body, will show the willingness of Selangor to be open to scrutiny and strengthen its governance systems, while developing a solid whistle-blower protection mechanism to encourage public sector staff to report wrong doings. This is essential in ensuring a corrupt free state.
The change of the CEO of the State could very well be a new opportunity at better governance in Selangor. This task now lies in the hands of Azmin Ali.
Released By
Cynthia Gabriel
Executive Director
CENTRE TO COMBAT CORRUPTION & CRONYISM (C4)
Dr. Ahmad Farouk Musa
Director
CENTRE TO COMBAT CORRUPTION & CRONYISM (C4)
Tan Sri Simon SIpaun
Director
CENTRE TO COMBAT CORRUPTION & CRONYISM (C4)
Richard Yeoh
Director
CENTRE TO COMBAT CORRUPTION & CRONYISM (C4)
Ambiga Sreenevasan
Legal Advisor
CENTRE TO COMBAT CORRUPTION & CRONYISM (C4)
