Takiyuddin questions constitutionality of auditor general's appointment
The Kota Bharu member of parliament argued in the Dewan Rakyat today that Article 105(4) of the Constitution implies that the AG must not be a serving member of the civil service, stressing the importance of independence in the role.
He claimed that Wan Suraya was a serving civil servant and last held a position at the Malaysian Institute of Integrity.
Takiyuddin cited a legal opinion from the Attorney-General's Chambers, which states that the AG should not be appointed from among active civil servants and that such appointments must be made on a contractual basis in accordance with Article 105(4).
"The government must provide an explanation to this house on whether the appointment of the AG from among serving civil servants is constitutional as it clearly presents a conflict of interest," he said during the debate session on the Auditor General's Report 2/2025.
He said any conflict of interest in the appointment process could undermine the integrity and legality of the AG's role and reports.
"If the appointment is unconstitutional, then any reports or audits conducted under her authority are also invalid, even if they have been tabled in Parliament."
In 2023, Wan Suraya was appointed AG In 2023, Wan Suraya was appointed AG in line with Article 105 (1) of the Constitution.
The appointment was made with the consent of then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah after consultation with the Conference of Rulers. ()
Wan Suraya was Malaysian Institute of Integrity chief executive officer from March 2022 to June 2023.
She was also secretary-general of the National Unity Ministry and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry and held positions in the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, including as deputy secretary-general.
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