PKR rep disappointed he's unable to get full list of appointments to GLCs in Penang

A PKR assemblyperson is disappointed that his second attempt to get the full list of appointments to government-linked companies (GLC), especially political appointments, in Penang has been unsuccessful.

Kebun Bunga representative Jason Ong Khan Lee said the state still "skirted around" his question and appeared unwilling to disclose the appointed directors of all GLCs.

"I am still unable to get the answers since the last sitting," Ong told Malaysiakini, after attending today's state legislative assembly proceedings in Dewan Sri Pinang.

"The people have the right to know who is sitting in the GLCs representing the state, national commercial or people's interest," he added.

Ong had asked a written question on the matter and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had replied by giving a list of GLC appointments.

He said no one knows how many political appointments have been made by the state.

"Then what is the meaning of democracy? People don't expect an artificial or fake democracy," he said.

Malaysiakini has contacted Chow, who replied that he would check on the matter.

Back in November last year, Ong lamented that it is "sometimes difficult" to obtain complete answers from the Penang government to questions he raised.

He was then referring to Chow who was asked to provide a list of government-owned land in the five districts of Penang.

"However, the answer to my question was inadequate," he had told Malaysiakini.

Meanwhile, Ong admitted that any appointments would somehow invite disagreements from certain quarters.

He said it was not a problem to appoint people to GLCs, but it has to be done "professionally and based on good criteria."

Pakatan Harapan leaders have criticised the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government's recent series of political appointments to head government entities and GLCs.

However, former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak claimed that prior to its victory in the 14th General Election, Harapan made a written promise to end all political appointments.

"It was Harapan that promised there will be no political appointments if they win," he had said. - Mkini