Jagdeep's father-in-law rejects appointment as board head

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo’s father-in-law has rejected his appointment as the head of the Penang Appeals Board set up under the state’s Freedom of Information Enactment 2010.

Baldev Singh Gurchan Singh was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today that he had “declined the post”.

This comes after United for Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) made allegations of nepotism.

Urimai chairperson P Ramasamy yesterday urged MACC to investigate the recent appointment as it appeared to indicate a conflict of interest or abuse of power.

“Having served the state for three terms and two terms as the state executive councillor and currently the deputy chief minister II, Jagdeep should have known better than to indulge in the nepotistic practice.

“Baldev might have the seniority and qualifications, but can a family member of the deputy chief minister II be appointed to the appeals board? Isn’t this an example of conflict of interest or abuse of power?” Ramasamy asked.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo

Ramasamy, who was a former Penang deputy chief minister, also questioned how Jagdeep’s motion could have escaped the scrutiny of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

On Thursday, the Penang assembly passed a motion to appoint six members to the board, with Baldev being appointed as the chairperson.

Sheer hypocrisy

Jagdeep tabled the motion himself and received unanimous support before the state assembly.

The board was set up under the Penang Freedom of Information Enactment (Enactment 16).

Sharing Ramasamy’s sentiments, Urimai secretary-general Satees Muniandy also urged Chow to explain what basis or credential was Baldev chosen to head the board.

“Are there no other suitable and knowledgeable persons in Penang, other than the deputy chief minister’s father-in-law to be appointed as chairperson of the board? Is this not nepotism?” he asked.

While Baldev may be a senior lawyer in the northern state, Satees said the decision to appoint him when Jagdeep is a deputy chief minister showed the DAP state government’s “sheer hypocrisy in practising so-called competency, accountability and transparency”. - Mkini