Kampung Tunku assemblyperson Lau Weng San has slammed the Selangor government’s silence to his query on the names and salaries of the top brass in government-linked companies (GLCs).

 

"We want to know who were appointed, if they are performing well and whether their salaries, allowances and bonuses are justified based on their performances," Lau said at a press conference in Shah Alam today. 

 

The DAP member had sent a letter dated April 5 this year to  Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali ( right ), requesting this list. He had also posed these questions in the state assembly. 

 

The only reply Lau has received so far came sometime in mid-April, stating that his letter had been forwarded to the state secretary to be processed. He hasn't heard anything since.

 

"One month is too long to wait for a reply," Lau asserted.

 

At least three other assemblypersons have asked the same question on separate occasions, including Kinrara assemblyperson Ng Sze Han, who was also present at the press conference today.

 

"I am going to the MB’s office after this to submit another letter requesting an official and detailed answer," Ng said.

 

Protected information

The other response they have received regarding their query was that this information was protected under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010. 

 

This Act is meant to protect personal data in commercial transactions and in matters related to such transactions.

 

However, Lau doesn't believe his question falls under the jurisdiction of the Act. The salaries of these people are not a commercial transaction, he pointed out.

 

The Personal Data Protection Act also does not apply to federal or state governments, Lau said, and the matter he is pursuing is related to the state government.

 

GLCs are not normal companies, he explained, but companies that are funded by the government.

 

"We are telling the government that there is no need to use this Act as an obstacle," Lau declared.