NEW appointments to replace Perikatan Nasional’s appointees in statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs) will be made within a reasonable period, Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan said. 

He said the time frame could be within one or two months after careful evaluation of candidates.

He said the government must also ensure that every new appointment involving statutory bodies and GLCs was made in an orderly manner and according to standard procedures. 

“In my view, a period of one or two months is appropriate for the appointment of a new GLC chairman. I feel that is a reasonable period of time. 

“However, it is up to the cabinet and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

“When Perikatan Nasional became the government, representatives from PAS and Bersatu filled up the positions as directors and chairmen, including subsidiaries of the Minister of Finance Incorporated (companies),” said the Pontian member of parliament today. 

He also said company operations, especially GLCs, had not been affected due to their daily administration being carried out by their respective chief executive officers (CEOs). 

“The matter of appointing company chairmen, including to GLCs, which has yet to be carried out, does not affect the operations of the Minister of Finance incorporated companies. This is because the CEO and personnel of the GLCs are still working and have not resigned. 

“These resignations only involved those with a political background, whether they are directors or GLC chairmen.” 

On December 15, the cabinet decided that political party members appointed as chairmen and board of directors of GLCs would be terminated with immediate effect. 

The termination involved positions in federal statutory bodies, the Minister of Finance incorporated firms, GLCs and government-linked investment companies. 

Last Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the announcement involving the positions of chairmen of statutory bodies and GLCs would be determined by the prime minister. 

He said it also involved positions under all ministries and agencies. – December 26, 2022.