Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi said it is shocking to learn that DAP is allegedly using positions in GLCs as political bargaining chips.

“I challenge DAP to disclose the names of its elected representatives, as well as party leaders who are not elected representatives, but who hold positions in federal and state GLCs,” he said in a Facebook post.

Puad said DAP has often criticised other parties for making political appointments to GLCs, arguing that such practices are unethical, unprofessional, and contrary to reformist principles.

“However, this allegation (involving Marina) suggests an even more troubling scenario. The offer was allegedly made before an election victory was secured.

“It would be somewhat different if an appointment were made after an election to give recognition to an elected representative who was not appointed as an executive councillor or minister,” said the Rengit assemblyman.

Yesterday, a letter making the rounds on social media suggested that Johor DAP had planned to move Marina to contest an Umno stronghold – the Tiram state seat – at the next Johor polls.

The offer was made during a discussion between Johor DAP chief Teo Nie Ching and Marina on May 17, according to the letter, which was addressed to Teo from the Skudai assemblyman.

FMT had sought comment from Marina on the authenticity of the letter, in which she also rejected a proposed offer to be the chairman of a statutory authority.

Earlier, Teo disclosed in a statement the party had proposed to field Marina in an urban seat at the coming state election.

She also said she had intended to propose that Marina be made the chairman of a statutory body, regardless of the outcome of the election.

Her comments came in response to Marina’s announcement that she was leaving politics and would not seek re-election in Skudai.