THE decision to appoint Datuk Baldev Singh Gurchan Singh as the Appeals Board chairman for the Freedom of Information Enactment 2012 was done collectively without any hidden agenda nor any ill intentions, said Jagdeep Singh Deo.
Commenting for the first time since the controversy broke that Baldev was Jagdeep's father-in-law, the Deputy Chief Minister II said the decision was discussed and endorsed at the state executive councillors' 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.
Jagdeep, who is the Datuk Keramat assemblyman, said that his father-in- law is 80 years old with over 60 years of experience in legal practice.
"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," he said.
Jagdeep said Baldev declined the appointment as he did not want to add to the controversy.
"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."
It was a post which did not pay a sen and Baldev consented to it, as a service to the community, said Jagdeep.
He considered the matter closed, adding the state will move on from this.
Jagdeep also refused to be drawn into conflict between his predecessor P Ramasamy and DAP leaders, saying it is most unfortunate there is now a fallout between both former allies.
He considered Ramasamy to still be a friend despite the political rift, as the latter was elevated in his career by Jagdeep's late father, (Datuk Seri) Karpal Singh.
He looks up to Ramasamy, who is the state's pioneering deputy chief minister II, who had served with distinction for the past three terms.
Earlier, Jagdeep welcomed South Korean hi-tech firm, Emerix, chief executive officer William Lee to his office.
Emerix has pledged to set up a hi-tech factory in Penang by 2027 to produce one of the world's first flying probe tester machine for the PCB circuit boards. It essentially tests semiconductor chips.
Emerix is one of the fastest and youngest automation companies in South Korea that specialises in flying probe tester manufacturing as well as research & development (R&D), said J. Phillip Vincent, who is assisting the firm in Penang.
With more than 400 multinationals and 6,000 small medium enterprises, Penang has the capacity and capability to consolidate its reputation as the "Silicon Valley of the East," said Jagdeep.
He also welcomed Emerix's commitment to transfer tech and provide technical training to young Malaysians in the world of electronic testing equipment. – June 6, 2024.
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