KUALA LUMPUR: The reappointment of former Machang member of parliament Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub as Felca chairman yesterday has drawn flak from netizens.
They questioned the unity government's rationale behind the decision, which came only a day after it had terminated politically-appointed chairmen and directors in federal statutory bodies, government-linked companies (GLC) and state-investment funds.
A user by the name She Sal slammed the government for making a "u-turn" on its decision by appointing Ahmad Jazlan, who is also Machang Umno division chief, to the position.
"Earlier, the prime minister (Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Ibrahim) ordered all political appointments to be terminated immediately. How can this Umno politician be appointed to Felcra as chairman?
"Soon, other politicians will be appointed to government organisations. The same old thing in a new bottle," she wrote on Facebook.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had on Friday announced Ahmad Jazlan's appointment, adding that this was decided after taking into account the wishes of Felcra settlers.
Zahid had said that although the cabinet had decided to terminate the contracts of political appointees to GLCs, he believed that Jazlan should continue in the position.
It was earlier reported that the government had ordered the termination of politically-appointed chairmen and board of directors in federal statutory bodies, Ministry of Finance (Incorporated) firms, GLC and government-linked investment companies (GLIC).
A circular signed by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali dated Dec 14, had stated that the decision was made in accordance with the cabinet meeting on Dec 14.
"The ministers in the cabinet meeting on Dec 14 have decided that chairman and board of directors in federal statutory bodies, Ministry of Finance (Incorporated) companies, government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies that are appointed politically will be terminated effective immediately," the letter read.
The move also elicited criticism from Tengku, a Facebook user.
"Merely, 24 hours after all political appointees were fired from holding GLC positions, history has been created with Ahmad Jazlan becoming the first political appointee in a GLC. What kind of 'reformasi' government is it?," he wrote.
"This is clearly a political appointment. How can the government allow this? Our Umno deputy prime minister must have a strong say in this unity government," another user wrote.
"What kind of hypocrisy is this? Is this some kind of joke," a Twitter user asked.
"Please justify this appointment Datuk Seri @anwaribrahim. Does he have any good track record that perhaps the public like me are unaware of?," Munawwar wrote.