Take criticisms of PH with a pinch of salt, says ex-PNB CEO

 

Former Permodalan Nasional Bhd CEO Jalil Rasheed said there was no interference from the government during his tenure.

PETALING JAYA: Criticisms by Barisan Nasional leaders of Pakatan Harapan’s brief stint in government should be taken with a pinch of salt, a former Permodalan Nasional Bhd CEO said.

Jalil Rasheed said BN leaders were calling the shots for six decades and they could have turned Malaysia into a powerhouse had they focused on the right things.

He said during his brief time in PNB, PH’s commitment to corporate reform was genuine.

Jalil said never once did the government interfered while he was in office and it also accepted the most radical suggestions.

“I appreciate that professionals were allowed to flourish,” he said in a series of tweets.

PH, however, could have done better in institutionalising reforms and making institutions more independent against political interference, he said.

“Pakatan did come in with hope of reform but I felt they focused on the wrong things.”

Jalil went on to say that regardless of who wins in the coming general election, it was crucial that there was a strong functioning opposition.

Some of the most recent acts in Parliament would have never happened if the government had a two-thirds majority, he said.

Jalil was appointed as PNB CEO in October 2019, before stepping down eight months later, citing harassment. - FMT