Cuepacs president Adnan Mat said political interference and favouritism in appointments should be avoided to ensure civil servants are able to assist the Cabinet to the best of their abilities.

“Any favouritism in the appointment of senior officers could affect public service operations if such appointees are not competent and are unable to carry out their responsibilities effectively in advising their respective ministers,” he said in a statement.

Adnan added that external appointments to these senior posts would also restrict the career development of those already in the civil service.

He said Cuepacs did not have any issues with qualified political appointees but maintained that appointing civil servants was the better option, especially when there is a change in government.

“Political appointees may be forced to resign when a government changes, thus affecting the services in the ministries.”

He also warned that having political appointees in the civil service would disrupt the harmony among existing staff.