Electoral reform watchdog Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH) and think tank Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) have expressed concern over recent developments involving constituency allocations and political appointments, warning that governance reforms remain incomplete ahead of the next general election.
In a joint statement, the two organisations said the continued withholding of development allocations from certain Members of Parliament and the lack of equitable access to constituency funds for opposition lawmakers demonstrate that efforts to create a level political playing field have yet to be fully achieved.
The groups cited reports that Wong Chen and Lee Chean Chung had lost access to the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) online system used to apply for development allocations in their constituencies.
BERSIH and IDEAS argued that access to public funds should not be determined by political affiliation or an elected representative’s relationship with the government of the day.
“Public funds exist fundamentally for the benefit of the people and the development of constituencies, not as instruments of political reward or punishment,” the statement said.
The organisations also weighed in on a recent remark by Teo Nie Ching, who reportedly suggested that a former Skudai assemblyman could be considered for appointments in government-linked companies (GLCs) or statutory bodies if she no longer holds elected office following the upcoming Johor state election.
BERSIH and IDEAS stressed that appointments to GLCs and statutory bodies should be based on merit, qualifications and institutional requirements rather than political considerations.
They warned that opaque appointment processes or perceptions of political influence could undermine public confidence in the governance of key institutions.
Citing findings from IDEAS’ Pantau Kuasa initiative and its report, Who Sits at the Table: From Political to Public Appointees in Malaysia’s Federal Statutory Bodies, the groups noted that as of October 2025, there were 238 political appointments to the boards of federal GLCs and statutory bodies under the Madani administration.
According to the report, 78% of chairperson positions in statutory bodies were held by politically connected individuals, while comprehensive legal frameworks and clear qualification standards for appointments remain lacking.
BERSIH and IDEAS said this raises concerns that political considerations could outweigh merit, expertise and public interest in appointments to important public institutions.
The organisations reiterated their call for appointments to be conducted transparently, guided by merit-based criteria and subject to independent oversight mechanisms.
“Positions in GLCs and statutory bodies should not be treated as political bargaining chips or consolation prizes for politicians who lose elections,” they said.
As Malaysia moves closer to the 16th General Election, the groups urged political parties and elected representatives to uphold democratic principles by ensuring fair access to public resources and strengthening governance standards.
They added that in a mature democracy, political differences should not be used to disadvantage elected representatives or the communities they serve, while public institutions must be protected from patronage practices that could erode public trust.
