PUTRAJAYA: No issues in appointing individuals with political background as heads of agencies under the ministry, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Salahuddin Ayub.
However the individuals appointed should be of caliber, experienced and have a good track record.
His comments came in the light of the appointments of Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP) chairman Mazlan Aliman and Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil today.
Mazlan is Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Tebrau division chief and also the president of Persatuan Anak Peneroka Felda Kebangsaan (Anak), while Muhammad Faiz is also a Amanah member and a state assemblyman for Permatang Pasir.
“The Pakatan Harapan government has set that those who are directly involved in political parties shouldn’t hold a position in government-linked companies.
“But for agencies under the ministry, we have set that appointment can be done from among politicians but they should have good merit,” he said after handing over the appointment letters.
He said Mazlan, regardless his political background, had done immensely for the Felda settlers.
“Not only politicians but also Felda settlers can vouch for his hardwork and contribution to Felda settlers. I believe he can prove himself and his talents.
“Muhammad Faiz, on the other hand, is a young talent. He has talent and ability to administer an organisation,” he said.
Salahuddin said the new government doesn’t appoint anybody just because of their political background.
“We appoint people who are professional, credible and capable, doesn’t matter if they are from a political party or not,” he said.
The new chairman of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Ishak Ismail was also appointed today.
Their appointment which will take affect from Nov 1, for two years until Oct 31, 2020, received approval from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad .