Opposition MP questions government stance on political appointees

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition lawmaker Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has asked for an explanation from the government as to whether political appointees are now allowed in government linked companies (GLCs).

Citing an example, the Arau MP said that former Umno youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi was appointed as the Mara chairman on March 10.

"But the problem is, the government must declare their interests as now political appointees are allowed. They had said in the past that they did not want political appointees, but now it is fine," he said.

Shahidan said this while debating Budget 2023 at the committee stage in Parliament on Wednesday (March 15).

"If they have a new stance, let's all change. We will accept since the government's stance will keep changing. Just let us know, we will not oppose it, we will just follow," he said.

Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh) stood and suggested that Shahidan was looking for a new job.

Shahidan then said, "Perhaps you can appoint her as the Finas chairman. You can give it to her, for instance. So, don't change your stance on political appointments," added Shahidan.

Earlier, Kelantan Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub had been reappointed as chairman of Felcra Bhd effective March 1, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin criticises political appointments in government-linked companies as it is against the stance of Pakatan Harapan.

He said the issue would have an impact on the government that had stood to reject the practice of cronyism and nepotism in its administration.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said that appointments in GLCs should be based on qualifications and merits in the related fields.