S'gor also appoints outsiders as GLC directors, says Zairil
Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari said the appointment of leaders from outside a particular state to head state-owned agencies is not a new practice.
Zairil said the Selangor government, for example, has appointed PKR leaders from many other states as directors in the state’s government-linked companies.
“These leaders from outside Selangor are appointed in order to tap onto their experience and different perspectives,” Zairil said in a statement today.
“After all, most state GLCs also have directors from outside the state who are appointed to represent various federal agencies,” he added.
Even after the recent changes, PKR still has 30 GLC directors in Penang, compared to five for DAP in Selangor, Zairil said.
The 30 directorships that PKR holds in Penang also includes the position of chairpersons of two Penang GLCs, he added.
Zairil was referring to the appointment of Seremban MP
Anthony Loke as director of the Penang Hill Corporation board.
Loke is DAP parliamentary spokesperson for tourism and culture and the party’s national organising secretary.
His appointment follows the sacking of PKR Kebun Bunga assemblyperson Cheah Kah Peng as director of PHC.
Cheah, together with Bukit Tengah assemblyperson Ong Chin Wen, were sacked from their directors post on the GLC after they had reportedly reneged on their decision to vote against an Umno motion to halt reclamation projects in Penang.
PKR has defended the duo, saying their elected representatives are allowed to vote according to conscience and people’s interest.
Zairil said Loke’s appointment should not be turned into a political issue, saying the appointment of leaders outside Penang is not whether they are from the state but whether they can contribute to Penang.
“Such a point of view is myopic, because while it is important to provide space and opportunities for Penang representatives to serve, we should not shut the door to those outside Penang, especially if they are able to contribute and add value to PHC,” Zairil said.
“Following his appointment, Anthony will be the only non-Penangite director apart from three directors from federal government agencies, all of whom are non-Penangites,” he added.
Zairil said PHC is tasked with managing the “eponymous iconic” tourism destination seeking to become Malaysia’s premier hill resort of choice.
He added that the corporation would definitely benefit from Loke’s contacts, experience and insights.
“This is particularly so when he also holds the tourism portfolio for DAP in Parliament.
“Furthermore, an outside perspective would greatly assist in turning Penang Hill into an iconic national landmark, especially for visitors from outside Penang,” Zairil added.
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