C4 urges govt to stop political appointments in GLCs

SHAH ALAM - The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) urges the government to stop the practice of appointing political leaders for non-executive positions in government-linked companies (GLCs) if it wants to ensure that the service in the agency is at its best by appointing the right and qualified leaders.

C4 deputy chief executive officer K. Sudhagaran Stanley said political appointments had caused GLCs’ poor performance in addition to giving room for abuse of power.

"The government must explain the process of appointing political leaders as the chairman or board of director and whether the vacant positions were advertised and how many people applied (for the position).

"Was there an interview conducted and why were political leaders chosen over other candidates. What are their qualifications related to the job portfolio?.

"This process must be clearly communicated because the government could not continue with its old practices of appointing political allies to lead the agencies just like the previous administration,” he told Sinar Ahad.

On Friday, Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad announced Datuk Husam Musa as its new chairman effective March 22, 2023.

Another other political appointment was Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman in which Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi personally confirmed the matter on March 12.

Meanwhile, Stanley said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should implement what has always been emphasised which was to have a well-governed government, that required the appointment of truly qualified and best individuals for the job.

He added that it also included not using GLCs as a reward to allies or for gaining political support.

He said the agencies involved could operate professionally with qualified individuals and without political interference.

"So the government should immediately stop all political appointments and maintain the highest standard in governing these agencies if they want to change the economy besides ensuring only the best individuals are selected to lead the entity.

"In fact, through proper selection and appointment system, every ambitious and capable individuals will have the opportunity to express their interest to serve in GLCs, without involving any political appointments and without the professional qualifications for the position," he said.