“I really appreciate Jazlan’s commitment, and I would like to announce that he has been reappointed as Felcra chairman,” said Zahid in a Berita Harian report.

Jazlan, who is the Kelantan Umno chief, was first appointed as Felcra chairman in October 2021. He also served as deputy rural and regional development minister in the Najib Razak administration between 2015 and 2018.

Zahid first announced Jazlan’s reappointment last December. He said then that although the Cabinet had decided to terminate the contracts of political appointees to government-linked companies (GLCs), he believed Jazlan should continue in the position.

This came after chief secretary Zuki Ali issued a circular to the secretaries-general of each ministry saying the Cabinet had agreed to the immediate termination of the contracts of political appointees.

The announcement of the reappointment drew criticism from social media users and civil society groups, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim then stating that it had been put on hold.

“I want to explain that political figures or MPs may be appointed but we will consider the individual’s professional capabilities and past performance, as well as compliance with regulations and principles of good governance,” said Anwar at the time.