KUALA LUMPUR: Political appointments to statutory and regulatory bodies are not new, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said.

In response to critics' concerns over ongoing political appointments, Loke stressed the importance of distinguishing government-linked companies from regulatory bodies and urged critics not to conflate the two.

He also pointed out that there was flexibility when it comes to political appointments to statutory and regulatory bodies, such as Felcra Bhd and port authorities.

"This flexibility is given to the prime minister to consider the appointment of key personnel (to these agencies) so that party leaders at various levels can also play a role.

"However, there is 'one clear distinction' that must be made as many people seem to confuse key GLC companies with these statutory and regulatory bodies.

"There is a notable difference there," he said at a press conference after speaking at the DAP Selangor 2023 Convention in Klang today.

Loke also said the unity government had not violated its commitment to eliminate political appointees in key GLCs and Bursa Malaysia-listed firms.

Criticisms were levelled at the Federal government recently following several political appointments made in several agencies.

It includes the appointment of former Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman, and the recent buzz of an unverified claims of appointment of Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid and Mohd Sany Hamzan as chairman and deputy chairman of Tekun Nasional respectively.

Abdullah Sani is a former member of parliament for PKR, while Mohd Sany is a member of parliament for Hulu Langat.

It was also reported that Parit Sulong MP Noraini Ahmad has been appointed as chairman of the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda), which is a federal agency.

However, Loke stressed the government will not break its promise regarding the appointment of politicians in government companies.

He pointed out that no politician has been appointed to hold positions in major GLCs such as Telekom, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, and Prasarana.

"I am confident that the policy will continue to be maintained by the prime minister," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/893090/govt-remains-firm-eliminating-political-appointments-glcs