‘We are not ruling out appointing politicians’
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan does not rule out appointing politicians at top government-linked companies (GLCs) if they have the necessary expertise, says Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
The Economic Affairs Minister said personally, he disagreed with such appointments for political rewards in any GLCs.
“However, we cannot put in all contexts that politicians should not be appointed. There are some with professional backgrounds such as accountants, engineers or architects, who can contribute to GLCs.
“It should not be from the executives and priority should be given to professionals,” he said after opening the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) office yesterday.
Azmin was asked to comment on the recent appointments of lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla as Penang Regional Development Authority chairman and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia supreme Council member Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi as Mara Corporation Sdn Bhd chairman.
In its election manifesto, Pakatan pledged to do away with political appointments for GLCs and similar agencies to depart from the culture espoused by Barisan Nasional.
Azmin said if a politician has the expertise, credentials and experience, they could be considered for the top posts. “However, it will not be a priority,” he said.
On the appointment of FGV Holdings Berhad chief executive officer (CEO), Azmin said he had yet to receive any proposals from its top management.
“I didn’t get the names. I didn’t receive any proposal and I don’t know when they are going to pro- pose. For now, the priority is to look at the whole role of Felda and FGV and their recovery plans.
“We are already conducting a study and they will come back to me in February.”
On Sept 18, Datuk Zakaria Arshad resigned as FGV Holdings group president and CEO.