Sin Chew Daily

Minister in the prime minister's department Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said all Perikatan Nasional MPs not appointed ministers or deputy ministers would be offered senior posts in government-linked companies. This claim has unreservedly highlighted the reality that political appointments are becoming increasingly serious in this country.

Political reward system has well transcended time and space and has been very much in existence from across the globe to Malaysia and since time immemorial to the present day. Such an unhealthy trend must be uprooted and not allowed to thrive in our society.

The public have already grown very frustrated with such a practice, but never has it crossed their minds that every single PN backbencher will now get the chance to sit on the board of a GLC.

It is within anticipation that the news has sparked tremendous backlash and outcry among the people, but it is equally gruesome that some have attempted to whitewash such political appointments.

According to Takiyuddin, all the appointees are qualified to assume senior management posts in GLCs because they are elected representatives. The problem is, not all politicians—including our Yang Berhormat—are professionally capable people. They have won the elections not by virtue of their ability to run big companies. Politics and business are two very distinctive realms that few actually excel in both.

Prior to this, scandals have erupted in several GLCs under the leadership of some of our politicians, further hampering public confidence in politicians manning large business conglomerates.

Moreover, some of the PN backbenchers who used to be appointed cabinet ministers have yet to convince Malaysians of their competence during their tenures. How on earth are they going to expect us to have a little more faith in them helming our GLCs?

Bear in mind that GLCs are no ordinary companies. They are cornerstones of the country's economic development and carry significant weight in the local stock market. If these companies fail, or if something undesirable happens to them, the ripples will be felt across the country's economy.

A very simple question: who between an expert in a relevant field and an elected MP is more eligible to manage a large company well?

Instead of putting MPs on the boards of these companies, perhaps the government should appoint more capable professionals to run the companies to ensure they operate optimally to help spearhead the country's economic development.

In short, GLCs are playing pivotal roles in the country's economic development, and their top managers are entrusted with huge responsibilities. Such important positions should be offered to people who are really competent and qualified and not traded as rewards for political allegiance.

Political interests must not take precedence over all else, but unfortunately this thing remains very much the rule of thumb in Malaysian business.