The government must admit that it has gone back on talk of assigning political appointees to head government-linked companies and statutory bodies.

A statement from MDEC cites Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh's 25 years at Telekom Malaysia as proof of his experience in the telecommunications field.

The transport minister says those appointed have been placed at statutory bodies.

The deputy prime minister says all appointments are based on Cabinet guidelines and the advice of the prime minister.

PKR's Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid is named in a letter making the rounds.

The deputy prime minister says each party within the government consults the secretariat before any proposal for appointments is finalised.

Analysts say it is difficult to completely eliminate the practice of political appointments, and that individuals named to lead GLCs should have at least a minimal level of competence and integrity.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who announced Ahmad Jazlan's reappointment, has been informed of the matter.

Instructions have been given for the directive to be implemented without delay.