By Daniel John Jambun, President Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
KOTA KINABALU: Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) takes note of the recent remarks by Datuk Sabah Finance Minister Masidi Manjun warning that underperforming government-linked companies (GLCs) and statutory bodies in Sabah should not be allowed to continue operating without delivering meaningful results.
BoPiMaFo agrees that institutions entrusted with public funds and public assets must be accountable for their performance. Every ringgit invested in GLCs and statutory bodies belongs to the people of Sabah and should be managed with the highest standards of integrity, efficiency and professionalism.
However, repeated warnings must now be followed by decisive action.
In particular, BoPiMaFo believes that the appointment of chairpersons, board members and chief executive officers of GLCs and statutory bodies should be based primarily on merit, qualifications, integrity, competence and relevant professional experience.
These important positions should not be used as political rewards or patronage appointments for individuals who lack the expertise necessary to oversee complex commercial or public institutions. Sound corporate governance requires capable leadership that can make strategic decisions, ensure financial discipline and deliver measurable outcomes.
BoPiMaFo therefore calls for:
– Independent performance reviews of persistently underperforming GLCs and statutory bodies;
– Merit-based and transparent appointments of chairpersons, directors and senior executives;
– Clear key performance indicators and regular public reporting on financial and operational performance;
– Accountability mechanisms for boards and management where failures persist; and
– Restructuring or rationalisation of entities that consistently fail to fulfil their mandates.
While recognising that some statutory bodies serve social and developmental objectives rather than purely commercial ones, all public institutions should nevertheless demonstrate efficiency, responsible stewardship and tangible benefits to the people they serve.
Sabah possesses abundant natural resources and tremendous economic potential. Unlocking that potential requires not only good policies but also competent leadership and effective institutions. Public confidence will be strengthened when appointments are made on merit and when performance—not political connections—becomes the benchmark for public service.
The people of Sabah deserve institutions that are professionally managed, transparently governed and fully committed to advancing the long-term interests of the State and its citizens.
