Emulate Rafizi, says Bersih after PKR MP’s GLC appointment

 

Electoral watchdog Bersih has questioned the appointment of PKR lawmaker Wong Chen as the non-executive chairperson of state-owned enterprise Malaysia Debts Ventures Bhd (MDV).

It asked if there is a need for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to perpetuate the practice of previous administrations with regard to political appointees and suggested that Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s approach be emulated instead.

“While we applaud Wong Chen's self-imposed limits to his role in that he will not chair the board committees on risk management, remuneration, audit, and financing and investments to minimise any conflict of interest issues, we wonder if there is such a dearth of talents in our country that the PM must appoint Wong Chen?” it asked in a statement.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli

Bersih said it was not questioning Wong's qualification or his ability but noted how Rafizi had opened such positions to the public.

“Rafizi's recent announcement for qualified candidates to apply to be CEOs of two GLCs under his ministry, Teraju and Peneraju, should be emulated and legislated to be part of the new SOP for appointments to GLCs and statutory boards,” it added in a statement.

While Wong (above) was vetted by the MACC, Bersih said such appointments should be screened by the relevant Parliamentary Special Select Committees (PSSC) and elected representatives should be excluded as candidates for GLC positions.

However, it pointed out that exceptions could be made for key statutory bodies that oversee and direct government policies.

“The scrutiny by PSSCs will ensure that only qualified individuals are appointed to key positions in GLCs and statutory boards as these enterprises are custodians of public wealth and not private businesses.

“The prime minister of this unity government must seize this opportunity to end the decades of political appointments and patronage that have in the past ended in corruption and/or mismanagement of these GLCs.

“Let the appointment process be open and transparent so that qualified Malaysians who want to serve their country through GLCs and statutory bodies can apply,” it added.

Wong was appointed as the Special Select Committee on International Relations and Trade chairperson and the Finance Ministry's non-executive chairperson of MVD.

MDV is a state-owned enterprise providing financing facilities to the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. - Mkini