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Anthony Loke’s appointment to PHC not political – Zairil Khir Johari

March 07, 2016

As a director of the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), I wish to correct the falsehoods and misrepresentations circulating over the recent appointment of Seremban MP and DAP Parliamentary Spokesperson for Tourism and Culture, Anthony Loke, as a director of PHC.

PKR duo dismissed for betrayal of trust

Loke’s appointment comes hot on the heels of the dismissal of two PKR state assemblymen from three Penang GLC boards, including Kebun Bunga assemblyman Cheah Kah Peng from the Penang Hill Corporation.

This move has been widely criticised as one of retribution, but as has been pointed out many times, action was taken on them not because they had acted in opposition to the state government, but that they had reneged on the agreement made at the Pakatan Harapan pre-council meeting, which had unanimously agreed to object the motion put forward by the BN assemblyman.

Every assemblyman was given the opportunity to raise their concerns, yet the PKR assemblymen in question failed to do so. They also did not debate or raise any issues pertaining to the motion during the assembly sitting, nor did they inform their three PKR state Executive Councillors or the Chief Minister of their intention to not support the state government on the motion. Hence, their actions in reneging on the pre-council agreement is seen as an act of betrayal, and action was taken on the two main culprits.

It’s not whether they are from Penang, but whether they can contribute to Penang

Anthony’s appointment to the board of PHC has been questioned due to the fact that he is not from 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. 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.

As PHC is tasked with managing the eponymous iconic tourism destination seeking to become Malaysia’s premier hill resort of choice, the corporation would definitely benefit from Anthony’s contacts, experience and insights, particularly 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.

Appointing leaders from outside a particular state is not new practice. The Selangor state government, for example, has appointed PKR leaders from many other states as directors in Selangor GLCs. These leaders from outside Selangor are appointed in order to tap onto their experience and different perspectives. After all, most state GLCs also have directors from outside the state who are appointed to represent various Federal agencies.

PKR still has 30 GLC directors in Penang, compared to 5 for DAP in Selangor

Even after the recent changes, PKR still has 30 GLC directors in Penang, compared to five GLC directors for DAP in Selangor. The 30 directorships that PKR holds in Penang also includes the chairmanship of two Penang GLCs.

As a director of PHC myself, I welcome the appointment of Loke, as he is a committed parliamentarian who has always spoken up on many issues related to his portfolio of tourism, including on behalf of Penang. I am also certain that he will provide valuable insights on how to make Penang Hill more attractive to outsiders. – March 7, 2016.

*Zairil Khir Johari is Bukit Bendera MP.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.