As cabinet ministers, it is only apt that they do not accept other posts offered to them so that they can focus on the core duties entrusted upon them, as well as maintain their credibility and image in the government, said a senior lecturer.

Associate Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the stand for cabinet ministers not to hold office other than that as ministers should be sowed in the new government.

"Ministers should focus on the core duty of a minister and should not accept other posts in other organisations, especially positions that require high commitment.

“Certainly, (if) a minister who is officially offered to hold a post other than that which concerns his/her core duty as a minister, it is not wrong to refuse and provide opportunities for more qualified individuals,” he told Bernama.

He said this when asked on the rationale for cabinet ministers to hold other posts apart from that which concerns their portfolio in the cabinet.

The issue cropped up when Education Minister Maszlee Malik accepted his controversial appointment as International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president, which is seen as a conflict of interest with his post as a minister and against the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto in the last general election.

Awang Azman said Maszlee’s decision in accepting the appointment as IIUM president could affect his duty as education minister.

“The function of an education minister is very challenging; it is not just focusing on the issue of shoes or those related to schools. It is wider, encompassing human capital development, not only at the school level but also more than 20 public and private universities in the country,” he added.

Conflict of interest

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Bersatu president, had recently advised Maszlee to resign as IIUM president.

Maszlee responded by saying that he respected Muhyiddin’s advice and would relinquish the post after the university’s convocation.

Awang Azman said the PH government should not emulate the practice of holding many posts by cabinet ministers like in the previous government.

“Such a practice should be stopped so as not to create a perception among the people and to avoid conflict of interests.

"The new cabinet members should not be busy with other matters other than those concerning their ministries. They need to give full focus on their scope of duties as they are still new,” he added.

Meanwhile, a member of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity, Dr Tan Seng Giaw said as a cabinet member, it would be better for a minister to not hold other positions to maintain their integrity.

"It is better to avoid and to not hold other posts, especially if the post has to do with the portfolio in the ministry. As ministers, they should show integrity and noble values in carrying out their duties," Tan said.

- Bernama