Bersih disagrees with Zahid, says political appointments conflict of interest

Bersih has disagreed with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who claimed the appointment of MPs to head government-linked companies (GLCs) and agencies is to ensure they can carry out Putrajaya's agenda.

The group's chairperson Thomas Fann said there is a conflict of interest when an MP or state assemblyperson is appointed to sit on a GLC's board, adding those politicians will be able to influence the decision-making of the board and will also be responsible for scrutinising the board's performance for Parliament. 

"In order to draw a clear line, our position is that elected politicians should not sit on the board of GLCs," Fann told Malaysiakini when contacted.

"They are not elected to do so. They are elected to formulate laws and to take care of their own constituencies," he said.

He elaborated that Zahid (above) did not have a valid argument because Putrajaya is already owner and shareholder of the GLCs.

"As the owner or shareholder, they can definitely appoint non-elected politicians to sit on the board of GLCs. Those they appoint must also be qualified. There should be no conflict of interest," he said.

On May 27, Zahid was reported as saying the appointment of elected politicians could ensure that GLCs carry out Putrajaya's agenda and that GLCs would serve the people's interest.

In an online press conference earlier today, Fann accused both Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional of practising political patronage by appointing lawmakers to head GLCs and government agencies.

Even if some of the lawmakers were qualified or agreed to not receive remuneration for their positions, Fann said he still disagreed with the appointments.

Thomas Fann 

"We see this as political patronage as a reward or even to buy support for the government. This has to end," said Fann.

"If they want to run GLCs, then resign as MPs and as assemblypersons," said Fann, adding that GLCs should be run in a transparent and accountable manner.

Today's press conference was jointly held by Bersih, Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia and the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim).

Meanwhile, Bersih resource person Wong Chin Huat noted that backbenchers for political parties have too much time on their hands as most of them do not have responsibilities in parliamentary committees.

"Let's say if Parliament were to sit for 68 days, the rest of the year they are so free that they see it fine for themselves to work in other positions," he said.

"This is the consequence of Malaysia not having an effective parliamentary system," said Wong, who added that those lawmakers should be put into parliamentary committees to work for the betterment of the people.

Bersih, Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia and Abim proposed for political parties on both sides to end the political impasse triggered by the "Sheraton Move" and to reach a consensus to reconfigure Malaysian politics.

To get Malaysia back on the proper track, the groups also urged political parties to cease political appointments.

"All senior positions in government agencies and GLCs must be filled by persons with suitable and relevant qualifications. Partisan harassment and persecution of employees at all levels are prohibited," they said.

- Mkini