SHAH ALAM - Members of parliament and state assemblymen should be banned from holding positions in government-linked companies (GLCs), says reformist group.
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) chairman Thomas Fann said the appointments of politicians smack of political patronage and are a scourge that has plagued the country for decades.
"It is also a conflict of interest and a disservice to the voters who elected them if they are current elected representatives," he said.
"Their time and attention would be divided between discharging their parliamentary and corporate duties," he added.
He explained that GLCs are custodians of public wealth and resources and people who are best qualified should be appointed to add value to these corporate entities instead of draining their funds through lucrative pay and perks.
He pointed out that in the worst-case scenario, funds could be corruptly diverted for personal gain.
Fann called for public accountability of these appointments and that a clear process be put in place to ensure that the best candidates are selected based on their qualifications and experiences, even if they are non-elected politicians like Asyraf Wajdi.
On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister announced the appointment of former Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki as the new Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman.