Aliran: Appointment of Energy Commission chair a conflict of interest

 

Reform movement Aliran has urged Putrajaya to revoke Mohammed Rashdan Mohd Yusof’s appointment as the Energy Commission's new chairperson and select an independent candidate for the job instead.

In a statement, the Aliran executive committee said Rashdan’s appointment is “an obvious case of conflict of interest”.

Aliran stressed the importance of having an independent person to lead the Energy Commission who is not involved with any energy players.

Rashdan (above) used to be the deputy managing group director of Gamuda, which is a major player in the renewable energy sector, it said.

"How can companies in the renewable energy sector, for instance, be assured of a level playing field when the Energy Commission chairperson is a senior executive of a company that aims to venture into this sector in a big way?

"This could hurt investor confidence, especially those interested in investing in the renewable energy sector.

"To use a football analogy, it would be akin to appointing the assistant coach of the Argentina or France football team as referee of the 2022 World Cup final," the statement said.

The group described the appointment as a poor judgment, saying it raised questions on how the chairperson was selected.

‘Revoke appointment’

Aliran also welcomed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement yesterday that he would look into the matter.

"Aliran calls on the government to revoke the appointment and select someone independent to regulate this crucial sector," it added.

Last month, the Energy Commission announced Rashdan’s appointment effective Feb 15, to replace Azian Osman whose service ended on Feb 14.

However, the decision reportedly did not sit well with industry players, who were said to have concerns due to his link to Gamuda.

Anwar reportedly told reporters yesterday that he would look into the appointment, saying that "there should not be any conflict of interest". - Mkini