Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is “surprised” that the head of the Penang Port Commission (PPC) is not someone from the state.

However, he believes that former health minister and current MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek - who was appointed PPC chairperson on Nov 15 - is qualified for the post.

He succeeds MCA’s former Jawi assemblyperson Tan Cheng Liang.

NONE "Perhaps, in the past, the one who held the post did not show good performance," said Lim (left) , after officiating a function at the Seberang Perai Municipal Council today.

Lim said the state government is willing to cooperate with Chua to improve the performance of the port.

"Politically, we have no problem about this. But in the past Tan did not deal very well with problems (that cropped up)," he said.

"We hope (Chua) can give more time to Penang and to the port to deal with its problems.”

Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Chua's appointment in a statement, saying that the year-long appointment will be effective up to Nov 14 next year.

It said Chua’s experience as a former cabinet minister and Johor executive councillor will ensure the enhancement of the port commission’s functions as the supervisory body and facilitator for the development and expansion of Penang Port.

‘Cooperation needed’

Lim also said he would like to see the historic Swettenham Pier being managed more effectively during Chua’s tenure.

As th chua soi lek e land on which the pier sits belongs to the state government, Lim expressed the hope that Chua would cooperate with the state government in developing the area.

"We had little cooperation (from the former chairperson). We hope Chua will bring a new approach to the matter," he said.

"We hope we can realise ... the potential of the site to (restore it to) its former glory.”