THE Unity Government will not appoint any individual who is unable to contribute to the government organisation or agency they lead, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said that all appointments are made based on cabinet guidelines and on the advice of the Prime Minister.

“It is not just about someone having political position, especially MPs or assemblymen. Their background, credentials and experience are also taken into account.

“This is something that has been done before. We will not appoint any individual who cannot contribute to the organisation they lead,” he told reporters after paying an official visit to the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) in Butterworth today.

On the appointment of Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman, he said it was based on the Umno secretary-general’s expertise, experience and credentials.

Zahid said Asyraf was not only a politician but a banker with expertise in Islamic banking.

“It’s a waste to have such experience and credentials, and then not use it to develop Mara together. With the appointment, we hope that he will, together with my ministry’s staff, be able to develop Mara,” he said.

Zahid also confirmed Parit Sulong MP Noraini Ahmad’s appointment as Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) chairman and Shaik Hussein Mydin as Perda chairman.

Appointments in government agencies became an issue recently that included Asyraf as Mara chairman, Jazlan Yaakub as Felcra chairman and Husam Musa as Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) chairman. – Bernama, March 26, 2023.