GOVERNMENT-linked companies (GLCs) should not be used by politicians to enrich themselves, said former minister of international trade and industry Rafidah Aziz.

She said GLCs were meant to grow the country’s economy, not to fill politician’s wallets, as is practised currently.

“GLCs are not supposed to be the cash cows of politicians, secondly not supposed to be given out to cronies to do what they like.

“If you don’t have people in leadership positions like the ministries and agencies – possessing honesty, integrity and credo of nation before self – this will continue,” Rafidah said in a forum with Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh live on Facebook last night.

She said it was unfair for several top GLC leaders to be removed from their positions after the change of government because they were appointed on merit, not political allegiances.

The former Umno Wanita chief also alleged gender discrimination in the removal of some female leaders from their posts.

“To remove a person who doesn’t perform, is fair but to remove someone who is only halfway through and has done their work and results are good is wrong. Most of them were women.

“I was shocked. They were appointed not because they are women, they happen to be women. They were there because of the competence first, ability and track record.

“To remove them just like that, halfway, not even told. I think this is a real betrayal of the country, Rafidah added.

In recent weeks, Pakatan Harapan government appointees have been replaced by Perikatan Nasional politicians.

Among those removed included Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) chief executive officer Jalil Rasheed, who alleged his arm was twisted into resigning. – July 11, 2020.