Only those who can contribute will be appointed, Zahid defends 'political appointments'

The coalition government will not appoint any individual who is unable to contribute to the government organisation or agency they lead, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday.

Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, said all appointments are based on Cabinet guidelines and the advice of the prime minister.

"Don’t view it as just because someone has a political position, especially MPs or assemblymen… their background, credentials and experience are also taken into account.

"This is something that has been done before, but we will not appoint any individual who cannot contribute to the organisation they lead," he told reporters after paying an official visit to the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) in Butterworth.

On the appointment of Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman, he said this was based on the Umno secretary-general’s expertise, experience and credentials.

Zahid said Asyraf was not only a politician but also a banker with expertise in Islamic banking.

"It's a waste to have such experience and credentials, but we don't use it to develop Mara together. With the appointment, we hope that he will, together with my ministry’s staff, be able to develop Mara," he said.

Zahid also confirmed the appointment of Parit Sulong MP Noraini Ahmad as Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) chairman and Shaik Hussein Mydin as Perda chairman.

Political appointments at government agencies became an issue following a number of recent appointments, including Asyraf as Mara chairman, Jazlan Yaakub as Felcra chairman and Husam Musa as Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB) chairman.