KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 — Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin criticises political appointments in government-linked companies (GLCs) as it is against the stance of Pakatan Harapan (PH).
He said the issue will have an impact on the government’s that has stood to reject the practice of cronyism and nepotism in its administration.
“The appointment of Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki as the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman which was personally confirmed by the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi is different from their previous stance.
“Although Mara is not a GLC, it is a statutory body established under the law,” he said in episode 3 of ‘Keluar Sekejap’ podcast on YouTube, today.
The programme featured former Umno Youth deputy chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan, who elaborated on the issue of political appointments that are currently taking place in unity government.
Meanwhile, Khairy said PH’s political appointments under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim were different when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad held a position in the component party.
“During PH 1.0 led by Mahathir there were no political appointments in GLCs but there were (such appointments) in government agencies during his reign.
“So for me, it’s all the same. I can’t say I’m against political appointments because I’ve been in that position,” he said.
In the meantime, Shahril also commented that while PH was in the opposition bloc, there were several issues that would be raised, especially those related to government entities.
He added the government seems to be taking a flexible approach.
“There are politicians from PKR who are appointed in government-related entities,” he said.
