Ex-Umno figures urge tighter rules on GLCs in government spending

Two prominent former Umno politicians have raised concerns about the use of government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) for government spending, advocating for stricter regulatory frameworks to govern such arrangements.

Khairy Jamaluddin pointed out that the practice of directing government spending through GLCs became prevalent during the administration of former Prime Minister Najib Razak, underscoring the historical precedent for the current practice. His comments highlight questions about the origins and evolution of the policy over successive administrations.

Shahril Hamdan separately stressed the need for clearer and more comprehensive rules that would establish explicit boundaries in the relationship between these entities and government, suggesting that current guidelines lack sufficient definition. The former Umno figure's call for better-defined protocols reflects broader concerns about transparency and accountability in public financial management.

The intervention by both former leaders adds to ongoing discourse about financial governance and the role of GLCs and GLICs in managing public resources. Their remarks underscore pressure from within traditional ruling-party circles for enhanced oversight mechanisms to ensure proper stewardship of government spending channels.