GEORGE TOWN: Following the controversy surrounding the appointment of Datuk Baldev Singh Gurchan Singh as head of the Penang Appeals Board, the latter has decided to decline the position.
The state legislative assembly recently passed a motion to appoint Baldev to head the six-member Penang Appeals Board, which fell under the Penang Freedom of Information Enactment 2010.
Baldev is Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo's father-in-law.
The motion was tabled by Jagdeep himself.
Met at the sidelines of the Penang Chinese Clan Council annual general meeting opening ceremony here this morning, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said due to concerns expressed in the media, Baldev had turned down the appointment.
"Probably he didn't want to prolong the issue although he is well qualified to be appointed to head the Penang Appeals Board under the Penang Freedom of Information Enactment, for which basically there are not many cases over the years. Practically no cases at all.
"But then, since concerns have been raised, he has taken the appropriate action not to prolong this issue," he said.
Elaborating, Chow said Jagdeep had issued a statement, explaining the appointment of Baldev Singh because of the vacancy that happened that required additional members to be appointed.
He said the paper had gone through the state executive council (exco) and was later approved by the state legislative assembly.
"You can read about Baldev's distinguished career in the legal services, legal aid work and other charitable activities in Penang over the last 60 years," he added.
Yesterday, Urimai secretary-general Satees Muniandy had called on Chow to explain the recent appointment of Baldev Singh.
He said Chow should explained on what basis or credentials Jagdeep's father-in-law was chosen to head the board.