The appointment of DAP national chairperson Tan Kok Wai as the special envoy to China does not go against the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto, said DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke.

The Harapan manifesto only stated that there would be no political appointees for government-linked companies (GLCs) but not as government representatives, said Loke, who is the transport minister.

“This is not a GLC. That position (as special envoy) is just to facilitate the relationship between Malaysia and China. I do not think this is against the principle of our manifesto.

“We think that he is qualified and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has confidence in him to build the relationship with the Chinese government,” he said when met by reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

It was reported yesterday that Tan’s appointment, effective Aug 1, has been confirmed.

Tan, the Cheras MP, replaces former MCA president Ong Ka Ting who held the same position under the previous BN government.

- Bernama