THE youth and sports minister today confirmed the sacking of Mohamad Sahfri Ab Aziz as chairman of Malaysia Stadium Corp.

Sahfri’s contract was terminated last week via a letter issued by Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman.

Syed Saddiq today reiterated the Pakatan Harapan government’s position that all political appointees under the previous Barisan Nasional administration will have their services terminated. 

“He (Sahfri) was a political appointee. This is not vengeance,” Syed Saddiq told The Malaysian Insight when met at Parliament today.

The Bersatu youth chief and Muar MP said from now on, appointments to government positions or government-linked companies (GLC) will be based on qualifications. 

“From now on, there will be merit-based appointments. We will appoint people from industry who are experts in their fields,” Syed Saddiq added. 

Syed Saddiq cited Section 9(1) of the Malaysia Stadium Corporation Act 2010 for Sahfri’s termination, with immediate effect.

The termination of Sahfri’s services came amid the PH government’s move to flush out political appointees in GLCs and the diplomat service from the Najib Razak era.

Yesterday, Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi was removed as National Sports Institute (ISN) chairman with immediate effect.

He was appointed by former youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin last May, ahead of the Sea Games in August.

However, Azim said he is still Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) deputy president and will head the national contingent to the Asian Games in Indonesia next month.

He said his position as contingent head was decided by OCM and had nothing to do with ISN. – July 17, 2018.