Is offering endorsement letters for party support an abuse of power?

Question

Accepted Answer

Offering endorsement letters for party support constitutes an abuse of power.

Former Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has accused Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal of abusing his ministerial position by offering endorsement letters to secure support in an upcoming party election. Loke stated that such actions, particularly by a Deputy Minister, contravene directives issued in 2018 by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, which explicitly prohibited the issuance of letters of support, especially to party members.
Prohibition on Issuing Letters of Support

In 2018, following their appointments, Ministers and Deputy Ministers received a specific briefing from the MACC Chief Commissioner, Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull. This briefing outlined essential procedures and "good practices" in government, with a clear instruction against issuing letters of support to any individual, with a particular emphasis on not doing so for party members. This directive aimed to prevent the misuse of official capacities for political gain within party structures.
Endorsement Letters as Campaign Capital

Loke highlighted that endorsement letters are now being utilized as leverage or "capital" in party election campaigns. He observed that this practice has become more prevalent, with Deputy Ministers allegedly wielding their authority to issue such letters to garner favour and votes. The former minister also noted that ministerial minutes were previously required to be written in general terms to avoid influencing specific decisions, a practice seemingly disregarded in the current context.
Allegations of Explicit Vote-for-Letter Exchange

A video circulated by Loke appears to show Wan Ahmad Fayhsal campaigning for the Bersatu Youth Chief position. In the footage, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal allegedly stated that as the Bersatu Chief, he could present endorsement letters to the Prime Minister. He is heard saying that the position was granted to help others, implying a reciprocal relationship where their support for him in return for his assistance would lead to votes. The video also encouraged viewers to report such activities to the MACC.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Is offering endorsement letters for party support an abuse of power?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends