[UPDATED] I never said no political appointees in GLCs, expect some: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the public can expect some political appointments to be made in government-linked companies, dismissing suggestions that he is outright against the idea. 

Speaking at a press conference, he said there has been confusion over his stand on the matter, clarifying that appointments will instead be based on a person’s qualifications in the related field.

“I never said that individuals involved in politics cannot be part of (GLC) management. However, they should be bound by certain conditions and have the required qualifications in the relevant fields.

“There is a possibility that several political figures or MPs will be assigned (to GLCs), but we will set the guidelines on the required level of an individual’s professional ability, his past performance, and on the compliance with the rules of governance.”

Anwar said this after chairing today’s cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya. The subsequent press conference was streamed live on his Facebook account.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman was asked whether the government will introduce guidelines on political appointments in GLCs and other federal statutory bodies.

His remarks come just a week after the services of all politically appointed chairmen and board members of GLCs, statutory bodies and Ministry of Finance Inc firms were terminated.

Anwar said today that the decision to end their services was to provide the administration space to evaluate their performance and to ensure the appointments were made in accordance with government guidelines.

He added that the delay in announcing the new guidelines were due to certain issues that need to be resolved first.

“For instance, there is a company which is currently under financial strain, although its subsidiary has recorded a huge profit and intends to announce huge bonuses. These are the issues we must iron out in the regulations and guidelines.”

On the reappointment of Umno’s former Machang MP Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub as chairman of Felcra, Anwar clarified today that this has been put on hold and that the matter has been relayed to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president.

“It has been postponed,” Anwar explained.

Previously on Friday, Zahid had announced Jazlan’s reappointment, saying the decision took into account the wishes of Felcra settlers.

He had said that although the cabinet had previously decided to terminate the contracts of political appointees, he believed that Jazlan should continue serving in his Felcra role.

His reappointment drew flak from various quarters, who expressed their disappointment over the Anwar-led government’s decision. – The Vibes, December 21, 2022