Jagdeep: Unfair to penalise someone just because they are related

Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo defended Penang government’s decision to appoint Datuk Baldev Singh Gurcharan Singh as the Appeals Board chairman for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Enactment 2012.

“A new chairman has been selected and I will announce the name soon,” Jagdeep said.

“I think it is unfair to penalise a person just because he or she is related to a leader. How would you feel if your father-in- law was denied any position just because of your own standing in society.”

He said the decision was done collectively without hidden agenda or ill intentions since the decision was discussed and endorsed at the state executive councillor’s meeting.

“Everybody knows who Baldev is as he is one of the most senior lawyers around. He was selected based on his experience and skill, nothing more or less,” said Jagdeep, reported The Vibes.

Controversy over the decision erupted after Urimai secretary M Satees said Baldev is Jagdeep’s father-in-law.

Urimai pro-tem chief P Ramasamy wants Jagdeep’s head to roll as he claimed that the state executive councillor and legislative assembly that approved the appointment did so without knowing that Baldev is related to Jagdeep.

“It is a mundane post because there is hardly any activity with regards to the enactment. There is no monetary element involved also.

“We did not see anything wrong because Baldev is a senior and capable lawyer,” Jagdeep said.

Baldev have since then declined the appointment.

“A new chairman has been selected and I will announce the name soon,” Jagdeep said.

The DAP leader also declined to be pulled into the conflict between the DAP and Ramasamy since he considers the latter still as a friend whose political career was elevated Datuk Seri Karpal Singh.