KUALA LUMPUR (March 6): Political appointments continue to dominate leadership positions in Malaysia’s federal statutory bodies, with 78% of chairpersons appointed based on political connections rather than competence, according to a report by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). The findings were based on Pantau Kuasa, an initiative by IDEAS to monitor political appointments in federal statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs) across various governmental administrations. Up to October 2025, 238 political appointments were made under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reform government. IDEAS said recent administrative measures, including a circular governing the appointment and composition of boards in federal statutory bodies, have not addressed deeper governance issues. IDEAS said political influence on boards weakens independence and accountability and raises the risk of conflicts of interest, corruption, and political interference.

Source: The Edge Markets March 06, 2026 05:59 UTC