KUALA LUMPUR: Appointments to the boards of government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) undergo a thorough vetting process, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He assured that the vetting includes checks by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and the police to ensure clean records for appointees.
Anwar added that previous political roles do not disqualify individuals, stating, "Those appointed are professionals. It is not about who is or is not qualified.
"We do not discriminate between politicians and non-politicians, but the criteria and priorities are primarily focused on professionals, except in a few key sectors, such as financial institutions and several agencies linked to finance," he said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
This statement came in response to Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang), who suggested that GLC and GLIC board members should be independent from political influence and drawn from an integrity-driven private sector.
Hassan, however, did not specify any cases relating to appointments that were politically influenced.
Meanwhile, with regard to improving and enhancing evaluation and performance processes for those appointed, Anwar added that the government would continue stricter monitoring to prevent any misconduct.
"God willing, we will continue to do so, because right now, with stricter monitoring in place, it will not be easy for board members to act against the principles that have been established.
"They are also aware that, starting next year, the Auditor-General will be involved, and this will serve as a reminder that there should be no fraudulent activities in the relevant agencies."