IPOH: Political appointees in government-linked companies or other agencies need to have the proper qualifications, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said those selected for these positions should not be regarded as merely having the right connections, as they must also be suitable for the job.
"We do not want them to be seen only as politicians. Just like at the federal level, they need to be qualified," he told a press conference here on Wednesday (Jan 18) after presenting aid to children who had lost parents or guardians to Covid-19.
"For example, to be appointed as a Perak Water Board director, they need to be an engineer," he said.
"They could be anyone from a political party, not necessarily a division head."
On the aid presentation programme, Saarani said it was announced in last year's state budget.
He said it was meant for children affected by the pandemic, to ensure they could continue their education despite losing the family breadwinners.
"Most importantly, we do not want them to drop out of school because they do not have the finances," he said, adding that 120 children had received financial aid and educational devices.
