KLANG: Pakatan Harapan does not agree with political appointments in government-linked companies (GLCs) which involve businesses, says DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.
He said political appointments in statutory bodies were not an issue, adding that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should be given the flexibility to consider political appointments for these bodies as it had been done before.
However, he reiterated that Pakatan was against political appointments in GLCs which involve businesses.
“We should not agree to the appointment of politicians in GLCs or companies that are listed in Bursa Malaysia,” Loke told a press conference after attending the state DAP annual convention here yesterday.
Loke, who is Transport Minister, said he would not agree to the political appointments of companies under his ministry such as Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd.
“During previous administrations, there might have been political appointments in Prasarana, but not any longer now,” he added.
Earlier, during his speech at the convention, Loke said it was no surprise that the DAP had become a “punching bag” by the Opposition now that it was part of the Federal Government.
He said the opposition parties would continue to allege that the DAP was a threat to the Federal Government as well as the Malays and Muslims.
“We are now in the Federal Government and will definitely be targeted by the opposition parties.
“DAP is a punching bag to them (the Opposition).
“But with patience and consistency, we will succeed in deflecting such attacks and work to improve our performance in the government, “ he added.
Loke also said the DAP had proven that it was a reliable and loyal partner in the Selangor government since 2008.
The DAP had never betrayed its partner parties in the state over the 15 years since Pakatan Harapan took over Selangor, he added.
During his speech at the convention, Selangor DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo said the biggest test for the unity government leaders would be seen during the upcoming state election.
He agreed with Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari’s statement that the state polls would be a big test for the Federal Government, especially on Anwar’s leadership.
“We cannot afford to fail in the coming Selangor state election.
“We must make sure we win and win big to send a strong message that the unity government is the people’s choice of government.
“This government will deliver during the next five years and into the next federal election.
“To achieve victory, there must be unity among all parties in the unity government,” he added.
Gobind also said discussions were being held between Pakatan and Barisan Nasional on the allocation of seats for both coalitions in the Selangor polls.
