A Malay economic coalition today rejected calls from several Umno delegates that government-linked companies (GLCs) be led by Umno leaders in order to enhance the economic status of Malays, arguing that politicians may not have the commitment to run the companies.

mapem president rozali ismail"It is not necessary to have such a practice," said Rozali Ismail (left), president of the Malay Economic Consultation Council (Mapem), an umbrella body of Malay NGOs to safeguard the economic interests of the community.

"If we replace all (GLC leaders) with those active in politics, they won't have time (to manage the companies). Half of their time in politics and another half in companies, I think that is not...

"Managing companies needs 100 percent attention. Running a company needs knowledge and experience," Rozali said when asked about the proposal.

"I'm of the view that the current leaders of GLCs have no shortcomings or weaknesses in terms of qualification, experience and knowledge in managing the companies," he said during a Mapem event on the sidelines of the Umno annual general meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre this morning.

But GLCs responsible for assisting Malays

Rozali is also executive chairperson of Syabas, a company with close links to the federal government that is currently at loggerheads with the Pakatan Rakyat-ruled Selangor government over the management of water supply in the state.

However, he agreed with the delegates that one of the responsibilities of GLCs was to assist the Malays and bumiputera in the economic sector and those who helmed GLCs should have such a "Malay spirit".

"It is better that we educate them on the history and cultivate awareness that GLCs are not only given the mandate to grow the national economy but that they should not forget the responsibility to help Malays and bumiputera who are still backward," Rozali added.

Yesterday, several delegates taking part in the Umno AGM debate called for senior positions in GLCs to be given to Umno members.

"What is the use of having GLCs if they are not used to help the party and the Malays who are governing the country?" said Perak delegate Idris Hashim.