THE practise of political appointments in government-linked companies (GLCs) is expected to weaken the chances of government parties winning in the next state election (PRN) says an analyst, while Twitter users are up in arms over rumours that more political figures are now appointed at government-linked companies (GLCs).
Political analyst Professor Wong Chin Huat argues (in a Sinar Harian article) that the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will lose the moral qualification to claim they are different from previous governments.
By continuing the outdated practices of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), the cancellation of previous political appointments may be seen as remunerating losers rather than protecting the public interest.
Wong highlighted that during the BN era, and particularly under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership, almost 90% of government members of Parliament not serving as ministers were given lucrative positions.
This practice has led to increased cynicism, potentially discouraging middle-ground voters from supporting the unity government in future elections.
Recent political appointments to head government agencies and GLCs have drawn heavy criticism, further diminishing the government’s chances in the next PRN, internet users are saying.
Photos of the alleged appointments of more politicians to GLCs, have been circulating on social media. One of them is Parit Sulong MP Noraini Ahmad, with photos saying she is now the chairman of RISDA.
According to Free Malaysia Today, sources told that said she had indeed been appointed.
On the other hand, a letter circulating on the Internet says Hulu Langat MP Sany Hamzan has been made deputy chairman of Tekun Nasional. He confirmed his appointment with FMT.
The unverified letter also named Kapar MP Abdullah Sani Abdullah Hamid as Tekun Nasional chairman, and Bernard Dompok as SME Corp chairman. There is no official news on these appointments.
Twitter user @TemporaryWorld9 said:
Kerajaan madani tapi sama macam kerajaan BN dulu. Reformasi hanyalah cakap kosong. Rakyat akan hukum anda pada Prn akan datang. @anwaribrahim @rafiziramli @fahmi_fadzil
— Sang Sejati 🇲🇾 ❤ 🇵🇸 (@TemporaryWorld9) March 25, 2023
In English the user is saying, “The Madani Government but the same as the BN government before. Reformasi is just empty talk. The people will judge you in the next PRN.”
As for Twitter user @dakserap he said:
Normal la gais. Pasti mana memerintah, mesti la dia lantik org² dia. Tukar la banyak kali pun. Benda tetap sama. Lek²
— achap (@dakserap) March 26, 2023
“It’s normal guys. For sure, whoever rules, he must appoint his people. Change (government) many times. Things remain the same. Relax.”
Meanwhile user@Nastro75 said:
X mampu nk komen..kita lihat hasil dari PRN je nnt..KWSP pnya hal pun x reda lg,ditambah dgn kisah lantikan politik..pasti jd peluru PN..rakyat masih dihimpit ekonomi yg makin gila..rakyat memerhati & mampu menghukum.@anwaribrahim @rafiziramli @fahmi_fadzil @chairman_GLC
— Rjun🔺 (@Nastro75) March 25, 2023
While saying that he don’t know what to say, he warned. “We’ll see the results of the PRN soon..the EPF (we cannot withdraw), now the story of political appointments..it’s sure to be a bullet for the PN..the people are still being squeezed by the economy which is getting crazy..the people are watching & able to punish.” — March 26, 2023