SHAH ALAM, Dec 24 — An overarching process related to appointments for all statutory bodies, government-related companies (GLCs) and other agencies will be announced and implemented soon, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In response to a question on why the appointment of Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub as Felcra chairman had been postponed, Zahid said it was in the hands of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"(The delay) is due to the need to streamline coordination for all statutory bodies, GLCs and other companies under ministries and agencies on a date to be determined by the prime minister.

"The coordination will be for all positions, not just one position,” he told members of the media after attending a unity government luncheon at Sree Maha Kaliamman Temple today.

Anwar was previously reported as saying that the reappointment of former Machang MP Ahmad Jazlan as Felcra chairman, which was announced by Zahid on December 16, had been postponed.

He said Zahid had informed him of the reappointment, which appeared to contradict a prior proclamation that political appointees for statutory bodies and GLCs would be scrapped.

The prime minister added that he never stated that political appointments would cease entirely but would now be bound by certain conditions, including qualifications in a related field.