KUALA LUMPUR: Sangetha Jayakumar’s appointment to the Port Klang Authority’s (PKA) board of directors is not a problem as PKR has only been against political appointments to government-linked companies (GLCs), says party information chief Fahmi Fadzil.
“There’s a difference between statutory bodies and GLCs. What we have been critical of is political appointments to GLCs. Statutory bodies are different.
“Sangetha’s appointment is not a problem because PKA is not a GLC,” said Fahmi after officiating the new OasisEye Specialists eye hospital wing here today.
However, the communications minister said he would bring to the Cabinet the people’s demands for more clarity over such appointments.
He said governmental bodies will perform a thorough check on the appointees’ backgrounds with the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure they are credible and have no criminal record, while certain appointments require approval from the King.
“(But) I think there can be greater clarity in principle. What we can do is encourage ministers to make sure these appointments are done transparently and the public is made aware,” he said.
On Thursday, Sangetha, the Wanita PKR vice-chief, confirmed her appointment as a PKA board member through a Facebook post.
Her appointment was criticised on social media, as users contrasted it with a tweet she made in October 2020 about the then Perikatan Nasional government giving out GLC positions to bolster support.
Earlier today, Bersih urged the government to form a special select committee to monitor appointments to both GLCs and statutory bodies, saying clear criteria are required to avoid criticism.
FTPA in discussion
Fahmi, who is also the unity government’s spokesman, said the Cabinet had previously discussed the possibility of implementing a Fixed-term Parliament Act (FTPA).
“The Cabinet had previously discussed (the issue), seeing Malaysia’s needs and compatibility with the FTPA, by studying countries that have implemented similar concepts.
“However, this matter is still new and in discussion. There are still no prospects of bringing it to Parliament (in the near future),” he said.
Fahmi also dismissed claims the government will be toppled any time soon, saying the FTPA “is not an urgent matter”.
Yesterday, deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposed the tabling of a special bill to prevent any future attempt at overthrowing an elected government, while alluding to the speculated “Dubai Move”.
Initiatives for Lembah Pantai’s B40 residents
On a separate matter, Fahmi, who is the Lembah Pantai MP, said his B40 constituents can approach him if they require financial assistance for eye treatment or surgery.
He also said his team will collaborate with OasisEye Specialists for roadshows in schools for free eye examinations. - FMT
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