Referring to the recent appointment of Wanita PKR vice-chief Sangetha Jayakumar to the Port Klang Authority’s board of directors, Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz said that clear criteria are required to avoid criticism.

“Clear procedures on GLC appointments are needed especially where politicians are involved. Such appointments will create bad perceptions,” Faisal told FMT.

He said having clear procedures would help the government address debate over whether such appointments are based on qualifications.

“When someone receives a position based on merit, it will answer any questions that may arise,” he said.

Sangetha’s appointment has been criticised, especially after she herself had posted on social media in October 2022 criticising the political appointments made during the Perikatan Nasional administration led by Muhyiddin Yassin.

Last year, former Bersih chairman Thomas Fann criticised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government for continuing the practice of political appointments to GLCs despite having urged for reforms for the past two decades.

Fann had said that political appointments involve political patronage and do not benefit the voters if they involve representatives who are still serving.