Political Secretary (Malaysia)

The Political Secretary in Malaysia is a political appointee who serves as a liaison between a Minister or Deputy Minister and various stakeholders. Their role is primarily advisory and supportive, assisting the Minister or Deputy Minister in their official duties. While not holding a formal ministerial position themselves, Political Secretaries play a significant role in the effective functioning of the Ministry.

Responsibilities:

• Policy Advice: Providing advice on policy matters relevant to the Minister's portfolio. This often involves research, analysis, and the preparation of briefing papers.
• Constituency Liaison: Acting as a bridge between the Minister and their constituents, addressing concerns and forwarding information.
• Speechwriting and Communications: Assisting in the preparation of speeches, press releases, and other communications materials.
• Event Management: Helping to organize official events and meetings related to the Minister's responsibilities.
• Administrative Support: Providing general administrative support to the Minister and their office.
• Parliamentary Matters: Assisting with parliamentary duties, including the preparation of questions and answers.

Appointment and Tenure:

Political Secretaries are typically appointed by the Minister they serve, subject to the approval of the Prime Minister. Their tenure is generally tied to the tenure of the appointing Minister, meaning they may leave office if a new Minister is appointed. They are not civil servants and are considered political appointees.

Relationship with the Civil Service:

Political Secretaries work closely with the civil servants within the Ministry, relying on their expertise and experience to effectively carry out their duties. However, they operate within the political sphere, advising the Minister on political considerations and managing political relationships.

Differences from other roles:

It is crucial to differentiate the Political Secretary's role from that of a civil servant within the Ministry. While civil servants are permanent and provide professional and impartial advice, the Political Secretary's role is fundamentally political and aligned with the Minister's political agenda.

Further Research: More detailed information regarding specific responsibilities and the exact processes involved in the appointment of Political Secretaries may be available through Malaysian government websites and official publications.