Recommendations meant to help constituents, say MPs

Submitted by Najiah on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

PETALING JAYA: The directive by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan, where civil servants were instructed to make decisions based on merit, was lauded by Members of Parliament from both sides of the political divide.
Yet, the very same MPs also felt it wasn't wrong to help their constituents by attaching 'recommendation letters' to endorse applications.
Sidek, in his circular, told all civil servants to report to their superiors if they received recommendations from politicians — whether in writing or verbally.
However, Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin said recommendation letters issued by politicians were not meant to seek favours for their friends and relatives.
“Some of my constituents approached me and wanted my recommendation after their applications were shut out by weaknesses in bureaucracy,” said Khairy in a blog posting.
“We (elected reps) are merely carrying out our responsibilities to our constituents and helping those who we think are not getting merited assistance,” the Umno Youth chief added.
He also said many deserving cases were stone-walled due to ‘Little Napoleons’ in the civil service, who abused their positions and practiced favouritism.

Pandan MP Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, meanwhile, praised Sidek’s directive.

“The Chief Secretary’s directive is laudable. All procurements must be awarded in accordance with merit and implemented fearlessly," the former minister and MCA lawmaker told The Malay Mail.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, while agreeing with the directive to report any politician-endorsed recommendations, said he would continue to write support letters to help his constituents.
“I think the directive is a good idea. In fact, Sidek should have said this a long time ago because this practice of favouritism and ‘doing favours’ have been going on for ages.
“However, I will still continue to write recommendation letters for my constituents,” said Lim, adding the endorsed applications should then be judged on a case-by-case basis.
Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam, however, said: “Maybe Sidek should tell us how we can report civil servants who indulged in favouritism and abuse of power,” said the PKR lawmaker.
“I’m not saying all civil servants are corrupt. In fact, there are many good ones. But there are still those who abuse their positions and award contracts to their cronies.”
“MPs have a duty to help our constituents with their problems.
“My constituency, Kapar, has a high level of poverty and I receive more than 1,000 requests to endorse applications for welfare assistance.”