Remember why you were elected - TI-M president tells MPs

Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) has called on MPs to remember why they were elected and to concentrate on the needs of the people instead of accepting GLC posts.

"Politicians should take a step back and reflect on why they were elected by the people to represent them in the first place.

"They should concentrate on looking after the needs of the people and let professionals and technocrats take on the responsibility of operating businesses and deliver results," TI-M president Muhammad Mohan (above) told Malaysiakini.

He was commenting on the significant number of political appointments to GLC posts in the run-up to the May 18 one-day sitting of Parliament.

The one-day sitting was originally expected to include a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, but it was announced yesterday that the sitting would be limited to the opening address by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"We welcomed the decision by Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan to reject the offer to head Tenaga Nasional, but since then there have been other appointments," Muhammad said citing Umno vice-president Mahdzir Khalid who was instead appointed as chairperson of Tenaga Nasional effective May 12.

Pointing as well to the appointment of Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as the new Prasarana chairperson he said that politicians should instead get themselves involved in the various parliamentary select committees to be the watchdog on the performance and practice of good governance in these GLCs and agencies.

"Although there is no law that forbids a member of the legislature from being appointed to head GLCs and government lead agencies (with the exception of the Socso Act and some GLCs with strict board nominations and election policies), politicians should always protect the interest of the people.

"Leading a GLC requires experience, and qualifications - both academic and professional and most of all - they must demonstrate the highest level of integrity.

"We have all witnessed what has happened in the past to some GLCs when politicians were leading them," said Muhammad.

Previous examples include the trials of former Negri Sembilan menteri besar and Umno vice-president Isa Abdul Samad (above) for alleged corrupt practices during his stint as Felda chairperson.

Muhammad urged those appointed to such positions to reconsider their acceptance.

"It is still not too late to change your mind and meet the prime minister to express your desire to relinquish the post and allow professionals with experience and business acumen to lead the GLCs," he added. - Mkini