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KUALA LUMPUR – Appointments of new chairmen for five statutory bodies are done based on their reputation and contributions in the agricultural community, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu amid criticism.
He added that those appointed will only chair meetings while experts will provide the necessary advice and input.
He also said the appointments were not political but made after discussions with top leadership, report Sinar Harian today.
“The selection was made after considering their reputation and contributions in the community. They are only chairmen, (and) there will be experts who will be working with them.
“The chairman only presides over meetings. The Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi), for example, has many experts working there.
“The chairman’s involvement in the community is important, we can’t choose the elites because they are not familiar with local affairs – such as problems faced by the fishing community.
“So, their standing in the community is a priority,” he said at a ministry function at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang.
He added that the appointments are not linked with the 15th general election even though some of the appointees are candidates who lost their contests.
“Many lost during the election but are now ministers, what do you have to say for that? Their performances (as ministers) were good.”
Among those appointed yesterday were Muhammad Faiz Fadzil (Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia), Datuk Mahfuz Omar (Farmers’ Organisation Authority), Aminuddin Zulkipli (Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority), Azman Ismail (Mardi), and Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali (Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board). – The Vibes, May 11, 2023
