KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 117 chairman and board member positions in Minister of Finance Incorporated (MoF Inc) companies and federal statutory bodies have been filled by politicians as of June 12 this year.
The Finance Ministry said of the total, 25 positions were filled by politicians in MoF Incorporated companies, while the remaining 92 were positions in federal statutory bodies, including public universities.
In a parliamentary written reply to Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (Perikatan Nasional-Tumpat), the ministry said the appointment of politicians was made based on a thorough screening process as outlined under the Companies Act 2016, Development Financial Institutions Act 2002, and other governance and regulatory guidelines.
"Chairmen and board members in MoF Incorporated companies and federal statutory bodies are appointed based on their capabilities, diverse backgrounds, and relevant expertise, considering the needs and core business of the entities themselves," it said.
These include looking into their academic qualifications, professional experience and expertise. Emphasis would also be placed on the individual's personal values, integrity and accountability."
Before appointments are made, each candidate must also undergo several screening processes, such as an integrity screening by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission; a bankruptcy check by the Insolvency Department; and tax compliance check by the Inland Revenue Board, among others.
Mumtaz had asked the ministry to state the number of political appointments and the screening mechanisms used for these positions.