In a written parliamentary reply, Fadillah said Shamsul, who was appointed on Jan 1, would chair the Energy Commission until a new chairman is identified.

“The act establishing the Energy Commission does not contain provisions that prohibit civil servants from being appointed as members,” said Fadillah, who is also the deputy prime minister.

“Furthermore, as the head of all civil servants in Malaysia, the chief secretary to the government is not burdened by this appointment.

“… (rather), he can facilitate the implementation of various initiatives related to the country’s economic development, particularly in energy management.”

Fadillah said the appointment of the Energy Commission chairman was based on Section 5 of the Energy Commission Act 2001, which states that matters concerning the appointment or resignation of the Energy Commission’s members fall under the purview of the energy transition and water transformation minister.

Such matters also have to be addressed with the consent of the minister responsible for issues related to gas supply, which is the prime minister, added Fadillah.

Former deputy international trade and industry minister Ong Kian Ming raised concerns last month over Shamsul’s appointment, saying it was inconsistent with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s emphasis on governance, based on guidelines for managing federal statutory bodies.

According to the guidelines in a circular dated April 30, 2024, Clause 3.3.6 specifically states that the chairman should not be selected from among civil servants.