Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Legislation must prevent politicians from GLC leadership roles, lawyer argues
Legal expert Salim Bashir has called for proposed legislation to include strict prohibitions on political appointments to key positions in government-linked companies. He also stressed the need for transparent hiring procedures to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
LSN Malaysia ·
A prominent Malaysian lawyer has urged lawmakers to strengthen proposed legislation governing appointments within government-linked companies (GLCs) by explicitly barring politicians from holding leadership positions.
Salim Bashir emphasized that the measure should address longstanding concerns about political interference in corporate governance. Beyond restricting political appointments, he contended that the law must establish clear, transparent procedures for recruiting individuals to critical roles within these state-linked entities.
The lawyer's intervention comes amid broader discussions about corporate accountability and the separation of political and business interests in Malaysia. His recommendations suggest that current regulatory frameworks may lack sufficient safeguards to prevent potential conflicts of interest or nepotistic practices in GLC management.
Experts have long argued that insulating GLCs from direct political control could improve operational efficiency and strengthen institutional independence. Bashir's proposal reflects growing calls from the legal and business community for more rigorous governance standards across Malaysia's extensive network of state-owned enterprises.