PN should learn from the history of failed GLCs - Malay-Muslim NGOs
A coalition of Malay-Muslim NGOs has objected to de facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan's statement that all Perikatan Nasional (PN) MPs who do not presently hold positions in government will be made heads of government-linked companies (GLCS).
The coalition, comprising umbrella bodies, think-tanks and business chambers, said the appointments went against a basic principle of not mixing politics and business, which during the BN administration had proven to be the downfall of many GLCS that were subsequently reformed by Pakatan Harapan...
A coalition of Malay-Muslim NGOs has objected to de facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan's statement that all Perikatan Nasional (PN) MPs who do not presently hold positions in government will be made heads of government-linked companies (GLCS).
The coalition, comprising umbrella bodies, think-tanks and business chambers, said the appointments went against a basic principle of not mixing politics and business, which during the BN administration had proven to be the downfall of many GLCS that were subsequently reformed by Pakatan Harapan.
"History has proven when politics are mixed with business, the business is doomed to fail," they said.
"These GLCs suffered massive losses and had to be bailed out by the government.
"What is worse, several appointed chairpersons among politicians are currently facing corruption charges in court," they noted.
"The PN government should learn from past experiences of leaders who failed to uphold the people's trust, the people will lose confidence and shift their support.
"Therefore, GLCs must return to its role to uphold the trust of the Malays and all Malaysians," said the groups, adding that the situation would be made worse if the politicians appointed were among those with no related experience or qualification.
"We must realise that many politicians appointed (in the past) did not have the basic qualifications and failed to follow the company's procedures on transparency.
"They even failed to understand the difference between executive positions and non-executive positions."
The groups said this also in response to PAS central committee member Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki's reported justification that MPs could be appointed to GLCs to monitor its operations on behalf of the people.
Contrary to Zuhdi's claim, the groups said a GLC chairperson's role is not to monitor a company's operations but rather act as a catalyst for its success.
To do so, they pointed out that the individual must possess high credibility, experience, qualifications, trust and a stellar track record in a related field.
The statement was released by the Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs (ACCIN), Islam Defenders Associations (Pembela), Muslim Association Consultative Council (Mapim), United Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM), Malaysian Malay Chambers of Commerce (DPMM) and Malaysia Youth Council (MBM).
"ACCIN, Pembela, Mapim, MTEM, DPMM and MBM urge the government under Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin not to gamble the future of GLCs and statutory bodies by placing it under the leadership of those with no background and qualification," they said.
Takiyuddin, who is also PAS secretary-general, previously said that from the party's 18 MPs, eight are appointed ministers and deputy ministers, while party president Abdul Hadi Awang has been made the prime minister's special envoy to the Middle East.
He had said at the time that all nine remaining PAS MPs and others with no positions would be given the responsibility to manage GLCs.
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