Political Secretary (Malaysia)

Political Secretary is a constitutional office in Malaysia. As a member of the Federal Government, a Political Secretary is appointed by the Prime Minister^[1] either on his own choice or on the advice of a Minister.

Duties and responsibilities[]

There has been no clear description of duties and responsibilities of a Political Secretary. In general, however, a Political Secretary is tasked to assist political duties of a Minister and provide the latter with appropriate advice on political situations in such constituency, such state or Malaysia at large. Abdullah Saidol explained that a Political Secretary is expected to heed, support and inform to the people, development policies and programmes planned by the Government.^[2]

Current political secretaries[]

Federal level[]

As of 24 April 2020, the following persons have been appointed as Political Secretaries by the Federal Government^[3] and are expected to serve the office until the end of current parliamentary term.

State level[]

State governments have appointed Political Secretaries as well. Appointment of state political secretaries, however, determined by the state through enactments and decisions of state executive council or cabinet. Roles and responsibilities of a state political secretary is similar to those of a federal political secretary.

Peninsular Malaysia[]

In states of Peninsular Malaysia, a Political Secretary is appointed by the head of respective State Government and serves political affairs of the latter only.

Sabah[]

In Sabah, each Minister is provided with a Political Secretary appointed by the Chief Minister on the advice of such Minister. Only Chief Minister can appoint up to four Political Secretaries for himself.

Sarawak[]

Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg has 32 political secretaries all over Sarawak.^[2]

References[]