Why are government MPs being offered GLC posts during the Covid-19 crisis?

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Government MPs Offered Posts in Government-Linked Companies Amidst Covid-19 Crisis

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang has criticised the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government for offering positions in government-linked companies (GLCs) to its Members of Parliament (MPs) during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. This move has been described as a betrayal of public trust and a misplacement of priorities, diverting attention from the urgent need to address the pandemic's economic repercussions. The government stated that these appointments would be made based on the qualification of the MPs, though the process would be subject to legal procedures, including ministerial purview and assent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for certain roles.
Rationale Behind the Proposed Appointments

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, announced that all PN MPs who do not currently hold positions would be appointed as heads of GLCs. This assertion was made on the premise that all these MPs are qualified for such roles. However, Takiyuddin also acknowledged that the actualisation of these appointments would be contingent upon adherence to legal procedures. This includes considerations for positions requiring the purview of specific ministers or the assent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, indicating a layered approval process.
Criticism of the Government's Priorities

Lim Kit Siang argued that the government should be focusing its efforts and resources on mitigating the economic fallout caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, rather than making political announcements about appointments. He characterised the offer of GLC posts as a "dishonourable example of ‘giving jobs to the boys’," suggesting that the government's primary interest lies in securing positions for its MPs rather than addressing the pressing national crisis. This perspective aligns with criticism previously voiced by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who deemed the assurance of positions to PN backbenchers, irrespective of merit, as "criminal."
Context of Government-Linked Companies (GLCs)

Government-linked companies, or GLCs, are entities in which the Malaysian government holds a significant stake, often controlling interest. These companies play a substantial role in the nation's economy, operating across various strategic sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and energy. Traditionally, leadership positions within these GLCs are expected to be filled based on merit and qualifications to ensure effective governance and operational efficiency. The offer of such positions to MPs, particularly without explicit mention of a merit-based selection process, has therefore drawn considerable scrutiny.

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Why are government MPs being offered GLC posts during the Covid-19 crisis?

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