Appointment of DAP members in govt agencies based on merit, says Sheikh Umar

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The appointment of DAP members in government agencies is based on the merit and credibility of the candidates, and are not just political appointees, says a party central executive member.

Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali (pic) said that the appointment does not go against the party's stand on not appointing politicians to government-linked companies (GLCs).

“There is a difference between government agencies and GLCs; while both are extensions of the government, GLCs are more focused on profit-making.

“So the appointment (of DAP members) in government agencies does not go against the party's stand as these two are different bodies,” he told reporters after Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin's working visit to a pineapple cake shop here on Thursday (May 18).

Sheikh Umar, who is also the Johor DAP vice-chairman, added that government agencies are bound by the mission and vision of the ministry, while GLCs are driven by business needs and direction of its stakeholders.

The former Paloh assemblyman was recently appointed the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board chairman.

He was defeated by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong during the 15th General Election for the Ayer Hitam parliamentary seat.