Ahmad Jazlan's second stint as Felcra chairman postponed

The reappointment of former Machang MP Ahmad Jazlan as Felcra chairman, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Dec 16, has been postponed, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

"I have informed the deputy prime minister (Zahid) of the matter, that the reappointment has been postponed," he said at a press conference after chairing a Cabinet meeting in Putrajaya today. 

He was earlier asked if the reappointment was seen to be in violation of the Cabinet directive to end the tenures of chairmen and board members of federal statutory bodies who are regarded as political appointees effective Dec 15.

On Dec 16, Zahid announced the reappointment of Jazlan as Felcra chairman after taking into account the wishes of the representatives of Koperasi Peserta-Peserta Felcra Malaysia Bhd.

Anwar, meanwhile, said there was confusion regarding political appointments in government-linked companies.
 
"I did not say that politicians cannot hold managerial positions, but they must be bound by certain conditions and must have qualifications in the field," he said.

Anwar said some politicians or MPs might be assigned but the government would set the level of professional capabilities needed, and look into their past performance and compliance with regulatory and governance practices.

When asked whether the government would issue guidelines related to political appointments, he said all political appointments have been terminated so that those who are appointed will follow the set guidelines.