LANGKAWI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad gave his assurance that the government would not appoint leaders from political parties to head key positions within ministries and related institutions if they do no not have the necessary know-how or qualifications.
The prime minister said he was aware that some individuals within the government were disappointed at not being given important positions. However, he stressed that the nation’s interests come before personal needs.
“We have decided that those who hold the highest positions in the government must comprise those who are qualified and skilled. Those who are not will not be chosen.
“They want to become senior-ranking officers but possess neither the qualification nor the skills,” he said in his speech at a senior government officers’ gathering here on Friday night.
Also present was Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar.
Dr Mahathir said, in order to return to the days of a solid government administration and to safeguard the country’s future, they have to get rid of civil servants who have been involved in misconduct.
“These individuals must also realise that this was because of their previous actions, where they failed to do their duties as required.
“Now, around six months after assuming control of the government, the administration has almost been restored completely,” he said.