In a statement, Bersih 2.0 said GLCs should be headed by professionals with relevant experience, a proven track record and personal integrity to ensure that all these companies are well managed and the public interest is safeguarded.

“Bersih 2.0 expresses concern at the recent appointments of Machang MP Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub and Rompin MP Hasan Arifin as chairman of Felcra Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd respectively.

“MPs should focus on their role as lawmakers and perform oversight functions on the government of the day, including the performance of all GLCs under the purview of the Executive.

“There will be a direct conflict of interest between the role of running GLCs and the role to scrutinise the government’s management of GLCs when MPs themselves are appointed to hold positions in GLCs,” it said.

Bersih 2.0 added that GLCs must not become a tool of ruling parties to access rich resources for their political campaigns, to expand their political patronage or to entice elected representatives to party hop in order to stay in power.

The group also called on a new law to be adopted to make appointments of chairperson and board members of GLCs to be based on merit, transparency and accountability.

“Under the new law, elected representatives should be banned from holding positions in GLCs.

“The law should also compel all GLCs to enhance disclosure and transparency through periodic reports that include important information such as the appointment of a chairperson and directors, their remuneration and more,” it said.

Bersih 2.0 also said a bipartisan parliamentary select committee should be established to screen all appointments of a chairperson and board members of GLCs.

It said this would restore public and investor confidence in GLC corporate governance, which has been tainted in recent years.