Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KUALA LUMPUR: Only “fit and proper” candidates were appointed to the board of directors of federal statutory bodies and firms under Finance Ministry (Incorporated), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said that the appointments - which included politicians - involved a proper screening process to ensure the candidates are fit for the positions and the responsibilities.
“The appointments of board members in the federal statutory bodies were made based on the stipulations of the membership of the board of directors in the respective articles of association and are always ensured not to conflict with any regulation currently in force.
“For Finance Ministry Inc firms, the appointment of the chairman and board members is under the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry through Finiance Ministry Inc as a shareholder,” he said in a written reply to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) on Thursday (May 25).
Takiyuddin had earlier asked the prime minister to explain the policies and criteria involved in appointing politicians for statutory bodies, government-linked companies and other government-related firms.
Anwar - who is also the Finance Minister - added that the candidates’ ability, diversity of background and expertise were also taken into account during the appointment process.
He said that candidates for Finance Minstry Inc firms listed on Bursa Malaysia were scrutinised by the companies' Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
The candidates would also need to be reviewed by the Securities Commission, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, insolvency department, chief registrar's office of the Federal Court, and Bank Negara Malaysia.
“Only individuals who are qualified or meet fit and proper criteria are appointed to lead the Board of Directors of statutory bodies and Finance Ministry Inc companies,” Anwar said.
