KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — The government has established a Special Committee for the Rationalisation of Federal Statutory Bodies, including Companies Limited by Guarantee, to address the duplication of functions and misuse of national funds in statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the committee will be chaired by former Treasury chief secretary Datuk Seri Asri Hamidon.
To ensure proper implementation, the Madani Monitoring Unit, led by Mohd Khalid Mohamed Latiff, will oversee the committee’s work, ensuring it remains aligned with its objectives.
“In our review, as noted by ‘Yang Berhormat’, there is indeed overlap, and it is essential to remind ourselves of our original goals.
“What is the challenge of pushing for growth and commercial viability while also fulfilling the national agenda? This includes bolstering the Bumiputera economy,” he said in response to questions from ministers in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Anwar was responding to Paya Besar MP Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah’s query on the reform agenda aimed specifically at GLCs, government-linked investment companies, and agencies to ensure a balance between corporate objectives and the national economy.
He emphasised the need for governance principles to be upheld, stating, “Although these bodies operate independently under their respective Boards, they must not overlook governance principles.”
“We have observed instances where management compensation is excessively high.”
Anwar also stressed the need for intervention by the National Audit Department, citing difficulties in monitoring operations at lower levels and the recurring losses recorded by various agencies.
Furthermore, the World Bank’s findings from studies on state-owned enterprises across several countries in 2023 have been taken into account.
“This is the reason we are re-examining the issue,” he said.
In response to additional questions from Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim regarding the appointment of board members, Anwar confirmed that all appointments will undergo rigorous screening processes, including reviews by Bank Negara Malaysia, the Inland Revenue Board, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Royal Malaysian Police, to ensure candidates have clean records.
“Those appointed are professionals. Whether they have held political positions is not the issue; we do not discriminate. However, the condition is that most of them are professionals,” he said.
— Bernama
