Sabah DAP Youth slams Yusof’s appointment as SDB chairman
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP Youth has criticised the appointment of Tan Sri Yusof bin Haji Basiron as the chairman of the Sabah Development Bank (SDB), describing the move as a "political appointment" that undermines transparency and accountability.
In a statement today, the youth wing of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in Sabah said the appointment, which was announced by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, was a "clear example" of government bodies being "hijacked" for political gains.
The Ministry of Finance said in a statement that the appointment of Yusof, who is the former president of the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO), was aimed at strengthening the SDB's role in financing development projects in Sabah.
Sabah DAP Youth secretary Goh Seng Huat said the appointment is a "ploy" to reward those loyal to the current federal government, adding that the SDB, as a government-linked company (GLC), should be managed by professionals and not by those with political affiliations.
More Read
"We urge the Ministry of Finance to reconsider this appointment and instead appoint a qualified and experienced individual who can truly contribute to the development of Sabah," Goh said in the statement.
He added that the SDB, which was established in 1981, has played a crucial role in financing development projects in Sabah, and its leadership should be free from political interference.
More Read
The Ministry of Finance has yet to respond to the criticism from the Sabah DAP Youth.
The SDB was established in 1981 as a development bank to provide financing for projects in Sabah, particularly in the agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Over the years, the bank has played a key role in supporting economic activities in the state, especially in rural areas.
The bank has undergone several changes in leadership over the years, with some appointments being met with criticism from various quarters, including opposition political parties.
The recent appointment of Yusof as the SDB chairman comes amid growing concerns over the politicisation of government-linked companies (GLCs) in Malaysia. GLCs are often seen as tools for political patronage, with appointments often based on political loyalty rather than merit.
Yusof, who was the president of UPKO from 2013 to 2018, is a known figure in Sabah politics and has been associated with the current federal government. His appointment has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning whether the move is purely for developmental purposes or for political gain.
The politicisation of the SDB's leadership could have far-reaching consequences for the bank's operations and its ability to deliver on its mandate. Critics argue that political appointments undermine the bank's independence and could lead to decisions that are not in the best interest of the people of Sabah.
More Read
The move could also set a precedent for other GLCs, where political appointments may become the norm rather than the exception. This could erode public trust in these institutions and their ability to serve the people effectively.
The criticism from the Sabah DAP Youth highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the appointment of key leadership positions in GLCs. It remains to be seen whether the Ministry of Finance will heed the call to reconsider the appointment or if the criticism will lead to any changes.
The debate over the politicisation of GLCs is likely to continue, with more scrutiny expected in future appointments. The public will be watching closely to see how the government responds to these concerns and whether it will take steps to ensure that GLCs are managed professionally and independently.
