©The
Star (Used by permission)
Valley View by Brian Martin
WHAT’S the fuss all about? Why would a routine temporary appointment stir up so
much rhetoric among politicians and NGOs?
A storm of protest has erupted ever since Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul
Khalid Ibrahim announced that veteran corporate executive Low Siew Moi would be
appointed acting general manager of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).
Khalid had earlier said that Low’s appointment would be a temporary arrangement
until a suitable candidate was found to head the PKNS. But, his choice of Low
has not gone down well with certain quarters.
On Tuesday, the Selangor Malays Residents Action Body held a protest against the
appointment outside the state secretariat building in Shah Alam.
According to Shah Alam Umno information chief Mohd Azhar Othman, the appointment
is against the main aim and policies behind the setting up of the corporation
and marks the first time it would be led by a non–bumiputra.
It is certainly and surely sad that after 51 years of independence, there are
still people, including so–called leaders, who cannot look beyond the racial
lines.
Azhar’s statement is only partially correct – the PKNS was set up in 1964 and
has been headed by a Malay general manager ever since.
But, is the appointment of a non–Malay contrary to the aims and policies of the
corporation? Or ultra vires the Federal Constitution? Or in violation of the
special rights of the Malays? Or even an insult to the Sultan, as suggested by
one NGO leader?
I don’t think so and, I am sure, many right and fair–minded fellow citizens of
all races will agree with me.
The PKNS is a major property developer in Selangor, having built the state
capital Shah Alam and the many modern townships like Kelana Jaya and Kota
Damansara. To date, the corporation has built about 150,000 housing units in the
state.
According to the corporation’s website, its stated mission is in line with the
state policies to promote stability, harmony and social justice.
It seeks to achieve these lofty goals by the implementation of property
development, commercial and industrial development and investment.
Its objectives are to encourage and develop housing estates, industry,
commercial and new economic centres. agriculture and carry out other approved
activities.
Low is eminently qualified to take the reins at the PKNS, having served the
corporation for over 33 years, including holding the post of deputy general
manager (corporate development) for the past 11 years.
It is learnt that Low will only serve as the acting general manager until a
right candidate has been identified.
Selangor state executive councillor Ronnie Liu has confirmed that the Pakatan
Rakyat component parties, including PAS, had given their full backing to the
Mentri Besar on his decision to appoint Low.
The DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) have publicly endorsed the appointment
while PAS has not objected to it.
“PAS has only requested for preference to be given to candidates the party feels
are suitable to lead the organisation,” Liu told StarMetro.
Otherwise, Liu said, the state government had no plan to reconsider its decision
on Low’s appointment.
He said Low, who was due for retirement soon, had been appointed in an acting
capacity to hold the fort pending a permanent appointment later.
“So, we don’t understand why people are trying to make an issue of this,” he
said.
The real issue, however, is not Low’s appointment but the very sad and
disappointing racial overtone of the whole matter.
When are we ready to come of age and accept each other without the consideration
of colour, creed, culture and class?