The government is in the midst of streamlining major posts in GLCs, statutory bodies, and government agencies, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said this in response to queries about the cabinet's decision to stall his decision to re-appoint former Machang MP Ahmad Jazlan Yaakob as Felcra chairperson.
"(The postponement) is based on the move to streamline all GLCs and statutory bodies.
"Other bodies under the ministries and also under agencies will be streamlined at a date to be determined by the prime minister.
"So, the streamlining is on all positions, not just one," he told reporters after a luncheon celebrating the government in Shah Alam, Selangor today.
On Dec 15, the cabinet moved to axe all political appointments in GLCs.
Two days later, Zahid announced the re-appointment of Jazlan - one of his lieutenants in Umno - to Felcra.
However, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Wednesday that the cabinet had decided to hit pause on the appointment.
Anwar said he was not opposed to political appointments in GLCs, but that they had to be based on merit and professional abilities.
At the same time, Anwar said that the government was trying to look into reducing overlap between government agencies and bodies, in an effort to reduce costs.
Earlier during his speech at the luncheon, Zahid also announced the appointment of infamous pro-BN NGO leader Ramesh Rao as a special officer in charge of Indian affairs.
Committee to tackle cost of living
Meanwhile, Zahid said the government will be setting up a committee to implement and monitor the cost of living to overcome the burden on the people.
The deputy prime minister said he has been instructed by Anwar to work with various ministries and agencies to implement the committee.
According to Zahid, the committee will look to ensure continuity in announcements previously made by the government.
This includes announcements related to electricity tariffs, petrol and measures to control the shortage of basic food products.
“I have worked with certain ministers who are in charge of this cost-of-living portfolio together with the chief secretaries and directors-general, as well as other senior officials of the ministry to deal with this problem thoroughly.
“We have seen that within this month, several announcements were made and changes announced after every weekly cabinet meeting.
"It certainly brings relief to the rakyat," Zahid said. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.