PUTRAJAYA, May 28 — Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has set up a special committee to monitor candidates and personalities proposed by the party to sit on the board of directors in government agencies and institutions, said Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub.

Salahuddin, who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, said the committee would study and monitor candidates comprising politicians and also professionals, non-governmental agencies and qualified activists and experts in their respective fields who were trustworthy.

 "Amanah wants to ensure that those appointed are truly committed and professional, instead of using their appointment to promote their personal interests,”he told a media conference after receiving the note on the transfer of duty from former Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, here today.

Asked whether the appointment of party figures contradicted the approach of Pakatan Harapan (PH) which rejected political appointments in key positions in the government, Salahuddin said the positions were normally filled by personalities selected by the ruling party and not made through the Public Service Department (JPA).

"We must know, every department and agency has appointments made by political parties and their position will be filled up by others when there is a change in government,”he added.

He said Amanah would ensure that the selection of candidates for these posts would be balanced between politicians and professionals as well as those with deep knowledge in matters pertaining to the department or agency concerned. — Bernama