Azmin Ali: Pakatan not ruling out appointing politicians to top GLC posts

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan does not rule out appointing politicians for top positions in government-linked companies (GLCs), if they have the necessary expertise, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

The Economic Minister said personally, he disagreed of such appointments for political rewards in any GLCs, but added that some politicians have professional backgrounds.
 
"We cannot say that politicians should not be appointed. There are some politicians who have professional background such as accountants, engineers or architects, who can contribute to GLCs.

"It should not be from the executive, and priority should be given to professionals," he told a press conference at the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) office opening ceremony on Tuesday (Jan 8).

Azmin was asked to comment on the recent appointment of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia supreme council member Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi as Mara Corporation Sdn Bhd chairman. 

In its election manifesto, Pakatan had promised to do away with political appointments for GLCs and similar agencies to depart from the culture espoused by Barisan Nasional.
Azmin said if a politician has the expertise, credentials and experience, they could be considered for the top posts.

"However, it will not be a priority," he said.

Pressed further to comment on the appointments announced by Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun, Azmin merely replied: "That is not under my ministry."

"I do not know what guidelines it is using," he said.

Meanwhile, on the appointment of the FGV Berhad chief executive officer, the Economics Minister said he had yet to receive any proposals from its top management.

"With all due respect, my concern is not the new CEO, but we want to see how to recover in that industry. That is the most important thing.
 
"I didn't get the names. I didn't receive any proposal and I didn't know when they are going to propose.
 
"When the names are sent, I will look at it. But for now, the priority for the ministry is to look at the entire role of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and FGV.

"We want to see the entire recovery plan of Felda and FGV. We have already conducted the study and I will get the results in February," he said.
 
The CEO position has remained vacant since Sept 18, following the resignation of Datuk Zakaria Arshad as group president and CEO.