UMNO Criticises Alleged DAP Offer Of GLC Position As Political Incentive
PETALING JAYA: UMNO has criticised DAP over allegations that positions in government-linked companies (GLCs) were used as part of political negotiations, despite the party’s long-standing criticism of political appointments in such entities.
UMNO Supreme Council member Mohd. Puad Zarkashi said DAP had frequently argued that political appointments in GLCs were unethical, unprofessional and inconsistent with the reform agenda it advocates.
However, he alleged that the party had adopted a contradictory approach by offering a GLC-related position to Skudai assemblyperson Marina Ibrahim in an effort to encourage her to contest the Tiram state seat, which has a Malay-majority electorate.
According to him, the allegation surfaced after Marina reportedly declined the proposal despite being offered a position in a statutory body should she fail to secure victory in the election.
“DAP has consistently criticised political appointments in GLCs and described them as contrary to reform principles. Yet the allegations now suggest that such positions were offered as political incentives even before an election takes place,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier, Marina Ibrahim announced that she would not defend her Skudai seat in the next Johor state election.
Following the announcement, a letter circulated on social media claiming that DAP’s Johor leadership intended to move her to contest the Tiram constituency. The letter further alleged that she would be offered an appointment to a statutory body if she was unsuccessful in the election.
Commenting further, Mohd. Puad Zarkashi said the alleged offer, which was linked to Johor DAP chairperson Teo Nie Ching, reflected the party’s significant influence within the federal administration.
He claimed that the situation demonstrated DAP’s ability to influence appointments involving government-linked entities at both federal and state levels.
As a result, he challenged DAP to disclose the names of its elected representatives and party leaders who currently hold positions in GLCs or statutory bodies, including individuals who are not serving as elected officials.
According to him, such disclosure would help improve transparency and address concerns surrounding the alleged use of GLC appointments as political bargaining tools.
The controversy emerged amid growing political preparations in Johor ahead of the next state election, where discussions on candidate selection and constituency strategies have increasingly come under public scrutiny.
