MCA criticises comments over GLC appointments
PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties have slammed comments made during the Umno general assembly on the appointment of non-Malays in top positions in government-linked companies (GLCs).
MCA and Gerakan expressed dismay that the racial card had been played during the debates by Wanita Umno.
Wanita MCA publicity bureau chairman Ivone Low Yi Wen said her party was aghast over comments by Wanita Umno Bagan division chief Hamidah Arshad.
Hamidah had said: “GLCs belong to us, but why are we giving them (top positions) away to other races?”
Low pointed out that the description “government-linked companies” represents all Malaysians, irrespective of ethnicity and religion.
“The government is not a private (entity) owned solely by Wanita Umno.
“Tax-paying Malaysians contribute towards the government’s coffers for allocation towards all ministries, government agencies, including GLCs, for national development in every Budget,” she said.
Low added it was unfortunate that Hamidah had exploited the Wanita Umno debates to score political mileage.
She urged Hamidah to provide a breakdown on the number of employees in GLCs based on ethnicity and, likewise, the ethnic breakdown of all contractors, consultants and lawyers currently providing services to GLCs.
Gerakan Youth deputy national head Andy Yong Kim Seng said some in Umno are using the racial card because they have reached a stage where they think BN component parties cannot win in the coming general election.
“This is not a right move as it undermines the component parties. This detrimental act will end up alienating voters.
“As the leading party, Umno should not support one side or the other but be all-inclusive,” he said.
Yong said merits should play an important part in the future of the country and not race-based appointments.
He added that since independence, all races have helped develop the nation and make the country what it is today, and that this trend must continue for the sake of the country’s future.