They also said the appointee, Amarjit Singh, was the subject of a graft probe by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Apas assemblyman Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said he was not questioning the director’s qualifications, only why someone not from the civil service was hired for the post.

Debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2018 tabled by Chief Minister Shafie Apdal, he also said the department’s integrity was at risk since the new director had been investigated by MACC.

He said this was a slap in the face of the existing government officers among whom were many qualified engineers, claiming that ordinary Sabahans were talking about the appointment.

“I feel ashamed myself as the director was appointed outside the standard operating procedure. This precedent should be avoided,” he said.

Amarjit, a branch leader of the ruling Parti Warisan Sabah, was appointed the director of the state water department, which comes under the purview of the state infrastructure development ministry.

State Infrastructure Development Minister Peter Anthony had said Amarjit was a qualified water engineer.

At one juncture of the debate, Deputy Speaker Ahmad Abdul Rahman ordered Nizam to refrain from speaking about the appointment as the person in question was not present at the sitting to defend himself.

To this, Nizam said: “No, no… the person is not here but the one who appointed him is actually the government of the day.”

Ahmad stopped him again, saying: “Please, Yang Berhormat, avoid (such talk), there is no evidence to prove it is a slap in the face… this is not appropriate.”

Tambunan assemblyman Jeffrey Kitingan questioned if Amarjit’s appointment had followed the public service scheme.

He said normally, officers in line for promotion were considered for such appointments.

“This is a question of integrity, as brought up by Apas just now, as the director is being investigated by MACC,” he said.

Kemabong assemblyman Jamawi Jaafar, in defending the government’s decision, said he respected the appointment and that the new director should be given the time and chance to prove his capabilities.

“I was also probed by MACC before but the matter is settled,” he said.

Nominated assemblyman Loretto Padua Jr voiced the same sentiments, saying it was unfair to bring up Amarjit’s previous MACC probe.

“If a case which has not been proven is considered, then it is not fair. The person in question at that time (during the probe) was only a worker. I don’t want to go further because the case has been resolved.

“Don’t argue about the appointment because what the people want is change. If he is not able to execute his duties then we can talk about this,” he said.

In winding up the debate on the bill, Shafie said the water department had a big problem, pointing to the supplementary budget of over RM164 million being applied for the water department to restructure it.

A big portion of the money being applied for was meant to settle overdue bills and projects by the department, he said.

“We can’t use normal methods to restructure the department, which has a big problem.

“Sorry to say this but as all are aware, this is a highly corrupt department. It’s not only at the top but reaches down until the grassroots,” he said.

Shafie said working-level engineers were not able to verify documents for payment purposes because they were still under MACC probe as well.

“That is why we needed to take the necessary steps. The people need water, they don’t need officers.”

Sulaman assemblyman Hajiji Md Noor, who is also Sabah Umno chief, said if there really were no qualified officers within the department or ministry, the government could have considered public servants in other ministries for the appointment.

But Shafie said based on his extensive experience in the civil service, there was nothing wrong with the appointment.

“We can have good policies and laws but if the service system and the personnel are not good, then we will still face problems. If the laws are not that good but our system is good, it (the issues) can be overcome.

“And although this person was probed by MACC, there was never a case. If there was, he would already have been jailed. And I know this engineer has served with many water supply companies,” he said.

‘He’s trained in water engineering, he is Sabahan, and he’s the right choice’

Activist questions choice of Warisan man to head Sabah Water Department