Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has admitted that Pakatan Harapan (PH) during its rule had appointed politicians as chairmen of government-linked companies (GLCs).

However, he said, the appointments were made based on the qualification of the politician.

"Previously, during PH’s time, we appointed people who are qualified, and not politicians of any party.

“Most of them are professionals who were appointed because of their abilities, not just a member of any party," he said.

Dr Mahathir said this after claiming that the action of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government in appointing some politicians for the post as abuse of power.

Asked on his stance on the same action taken by the Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) in appointing a number of former ministers as the GLC chairman in the state, Dr Mahathir said it was done based on the qualifications and abilities of the MP.