GLC posts to be reviewed

IPOH: Several GLC appointments will be reviewed, including that of former Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said he would meet with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to discuss the issue.

“Those appointed have suitable qualifications.

“We will review several appointments again, including that of Abdul Azeez and those who have yet to receive their appointment letters,” he told reporters at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) in Meru here yesterday.

On April 5, Abdul Azeez was appointed Kedah Regional Development Authority (Keda) chairman.

On a walkabout: Anwar mingling with the crowd at the Ramadan bazaar at Taman Jati in Meru Raya, Ipoh yesterday. — Bernama

In March, the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) slammed several political appointments, including that of Datuk Dr Ashraf Wajdi Dusuki as Mara chairman and Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik as MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd chairman.

Anwar said those appointed must follow stricter rules.

“Unlike before, these appointments are based on their qualifications and come with rules.

“For example, they must run their responsibilities well, not overspend, and allowances are given based on their qualifications,” he added.

Separately, Anwar announced that civil servants would receive their April salary earlier than scheduled.

“The change in dates was to help reduce the burden on civil servants and government retirees in preparing for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

“This also includes the 2023 Aidilfitri Special Financial Assistance, which will be released on April 14 instead of April 17,” he said.

Anwar said the special assistance would benefit nearly one million individuals.

“These include padi farmers, fishermen, uniformed volunteers and pensioners.

“We heard complaints that it would be too late if the salary and financial assistance were given on April 17, hence we decided to make it earlier,” he added.