Job Brokers in Government

The long-hidden anger at the ministry for village affairs, development of disadvantaged regions and transmigration has finally burst out into the open. It was triggered by people close to Minister Marwan Jafar. Since their appointment as his special staff, they have been busy taking advantage of their positions. Unable to tolerate their conduct any longer, a number of career officials have spoken out.

The special ministerial staff members are at the root of the problem because they frequently poke their noses in matters outside their jurisdiction. They are alleged to have distorted the selection of new officials, postings, promotions and the allocations of projects. For example, in the appointment of around 50,000 officials charged with overseeing the use of village funds, there are indications that the special staff biased the process in favor of members of the National Awakening Party (PKB)of which Marwan is a member.