The Malaysian Insight

PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s new government will have to continue with the practice of political appointments to top posts in government-linked companies (GLCs) and other agencies to ensure stability and support from coalition partners, said analysts.

They said that such appointments can also ensure the government’s promises and agendas can be achieved but should be based on merit, say analysts and party leaders.

They added that the move would also show Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) willingness to share power with Umno.

However, they warned that these appointments should not be made to reward politicians, more a decision based on merit.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali said the new unity government’s vision and mission may not be achieved without the appointment of political leaders to top posts in government companies and agencies.

“Politicians need to be in the GLCs so that the government’s ambitions and wishes can be realised but they should be appointed based on merit, so that they can help the organisation achieve its goals,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He said political leaders appointed to these top posts also usually have certain advantages and experience that can help the organisations.

“Politicians are not born as politicians but have corporate experience and know how,” he added.

However, he said the government should not blindly reward individuals with these appointments.

Moreover, appointments should not involve leaders who are corrupt and have a poor track record.

Mazlan was responding to Anwar’s recent remarks that there would be political appointments on his watch, but appointees must have relevant qualifications.

Previously, PH had condemned the practice, saying that it was used to reward cronies.

Mazlan also said the government was right in looking into professionalism and experience before making any appointments.

“The management must consist of a group of executives and professionals so that they can focus on increasing the productivity of the organisation.

“If they are just politicians, they cannot focus on empowerment.

“In the current unity government, it cannot be avoided. There must be a link between politicians, professionals and senior government officials sitting in any agency,” he said.

Mazlan also said that stricter criteria used for these appointments would benefit the country’s political landscape and the people too.

“There will be political advantage for sure as the parties can get political support through the programmes of the GLCs and agencies. Indirectly, this will also benefit the people.

“All parties take advantage of the GLCs and agencies to seek political support but there must be transparency and no leakages.

“If the aim is to benefit the people, I think such appointments will make sense,” he said.

Strengthening political position

Universiti Malaya associate professor Awang Azman Awang Pawi said political appointments to GLCs and agencies can strengthen a political party and its leaders.

“Of course, when an Umno leader is placed in the GLC, it can strengthen their position in the party hierarchy.

“It is certain that Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will want to ensure that people in the party hierarchy get priority in such appointments,” he said.

He added that such a move will further strengthen the party as it gets ready to face state elections in the Malay majority states of Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan in 2023.

“When there is a position in the GLC, they will be stronger in terms of finances and influence,” Awang Azman said.

In addition to those states, state elections are also set to take place in the PH-controlled states of Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang.

Recently Zahid announced that Kelantan Umno leader Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub will be reappointed as Felcra chairman, but the move attracted widespread criticism.

Subsequently, Anwar announced that the appointment had been postponed.

However, Mazlan believes Jazlan will stay in this post. He said the government’s position will be undermined if the appointment is cancelled.

“Maybe there are some things that need to be examined, if the appointment of a politician is rejected, it might cause disharmony (between) parties, so it needs to be discussed.

“Zahid announced the appointment too soon, many things need to be sorted out first, maybe the prime minister wants to discuss more and then this will be announced,” he said.

An Umno leader who was once appointed in a GLC said the initial announcement about Jazlan’s appointment showed PH’s commitment to accept Umno.

Former director of the Malaysian Cooperative Institute Bastien Onn said party representatives can also be a checks and balances agent to the administration.

“(The appointment) is a manifestation of the government accepting Umno as a good friend and ally. If this is not done it shows as if the co-operation between PH and Umno is loose.

“If PKR appoints only its people into GLCs, it appears as though the party does not respect power sharing with Umno,” he said. – December 24, 2022.