New FOI appeals board chairman appointment ends controversy

The controversy over the appointment of a new appeals board chairman under Penang’s Freedom of Information Enactment 2010 is now resolved with the appointment of Datuk K Kumaraendran.

Some quarters had levelled allegation of nepotism over the appointment of Baldev Gurchan Singh who also happens to be Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo’s father in law.

The board would be made up of former Bar Council president Fareed Gafoor who retains deputy chair post. Lawyer K Simon Murali replaces Harinder Malkit Singh.

The rest in the board are Penang Bar chairman Carolyn Oh, Nagarethinam Rengasamy Pillai and Regina Amalorpava Mary Aboorvasamy.

In moving the motion for the appointment of Kumaraendran, Jagdeep also defended the previous appointment of Baldev.

“Baldev is the longest-serving and most senior lawyer in Penang. He has been a lawyer for (58) years. His appointment was based on his experience, and there was no issue for me,” he said.

“But he is my father-in-law, and I disclosed that in front of all of you (when he nominated Baldev at the last assembly meeting). Some parties claimed I did not disclose this outside the Dewan, but it was done here, it was clear. There is no issue for me.

“He is a senior lawyer, but he said, ‘I don’t need this.’ This is charity work, and he will not receive a single sen. This work is for the rakyat.

“Then I looked for another capable lawyer. Kumaraendran was a close friend of my late father. If you want to say there is a conflict of interest, what do you want me to do? He is an experienced and qualified lawyer.”

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