Sangetha facing brickbats over Port Klang Authority appointment

News on the appointment of PKR Women vice-chief Sangetha Jeyakumar as a Port Klang Authority board member has earned a thumbs down as critics point to the government's pledge to limit political appointments.

Sangetha's tweet in October 2020 about the Perikatan Nasional regime of former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin giving out government-linked company (GLC) positions to bolster support has also been revived as her appointment is being questioned.

“Sangetha’s (above) appointment is not an isolated move. Since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration took office in November 2022, about 19 MPs and 42 politicians are reported to have taken up at least 61 boardroom positions.

“This is clearly against what was promised by Pakatan Harapan during their campaign elections.

“For decades, Anwar and his cohorts had promised time and time again that they would make reforms in GLC appointments and would not follow the footsteps of the BN administration," Bersatu legal and constitution bureau deputy chair Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif said in a statement.

Sasha went on to cite the appointments of political personalities such as Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz as Badminton Association of Malaysia president, Hans Isaac as Malaysia Stadiums Board chairperson, Ean Yong Hian Wah as Port Klang Authority chairperson, and Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak as chairperson of 7-Eleven Holdings Berhad, which is a company under Berjaya Retail Berhad.

“Appointments to such office or positions should be based on merits, expertise, and experience rather than political position or connections,” she added, saying that Hans was criticised due to the conditions of the football field in Bukit Jalil Stadium as well as managing the schedule of events at the Bukit Jalil stadiums.

READ MORE: Spoils of war: Sharing the loot, Madani-style

News of Sangetha’s appointment was recently shared in a congratulatory message by PKR Women's leader Fadhlina Sidek on Facebook.

However, Sangetha told Free Malaysia Today that she was not going to comment as she has yet to receive an appointment letter.

Malaysiakini has also attempted to contact Sangetha for a response.

‘Jeapordising nation’s principles’

Muda also expressed deep concern and indignation over the appointment, saying that the coalition government continues to indulge in the very practice that Harapan once vehemently opposed.

“It is both disheartening and hypocritical that such actions persist despite promises made to the public. We urge the government to provide a transparent explanation to the public regarding these appointments.

“Muda believes in a Malaysia where governance is transparent, accountable, and free from the vestiges of political patronage. The resurgence of such practices undermines public trust and jeopardises the nation's democratic principles," it said.

The party called on the government to immediately review all political appointments made to government-linked entities and ensure that appointments are based on merit, expertise, and capability rather than political allegiance.

COMMENT | Why is govt not learning from costly mistakes?

Anwar wants GLCs to help struggling staff

GLICs, GLCs must support national aspirations to empower SMEs - PM

PM: S’gor first stop for state-level Madani govt anniversary event