Chinese PKNS head faces opposition - malaysiakini

Malaysiakini's report:

Six staff bodies of the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) have objected to the appointment of a senior official as acting general manager on grounds that she is Chinese.

MCPX

Low Siew Moi was set to retire as PKNS’ deputy corporate affairs and accounting manager this month.

However, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim (right) recently appointed her as acting GM to replace outgoing general manager Harun Salim.

Low, a trained accountant, has served PKNS for 35 years with her last post being deputy GM for corporate development.

In their joint memorandum dated Oct 25 to Khalid, the staff associations said: “PKNS was established for Malays and to fulfill the Malay agenda. Because of this, the organisation needs to be led by a Malay.”

The document was signed by the respective heads of associations of senior officers, executive officers and workers; the sports and recreation club; Islamic association, and staff welfare body.

“The associations, unions and welfare bodies do not deny the capabilities of Low Siew Moi (left) in the management of finance,” they said.

“However, leading PKNS would need certain leadership criteria, among them, rapport with all staff and associations and ability to communicate with different levels of personnel.”

The memorandum stated that, as PKNS conducts activities that are spiritual in nature, its leader must understand and practice Islamic values.

“In other words, the one who will become the general manager will be the ‘imam’ for all the staff,” the signatories said.

Khalid defends decision

Urging Khalid to retract Low’s appointment, they said they would only extend full support if current deputy general manager in charge of administration and development - Md Nasir Md Arshad - is promoted to general manager.

Utusan Malaysia, meanwhile, reported that Khalid had defended his decision and described Low as “the most appropriate candidate” on the basis of her dedication and experience in corporate and financial affairs and asset management.

“We agreed to extend Siew Moi’s retirement for one year and to appoint her as acting general manager for the time being,” he was quoted as saying.

“We are of the opinion that she is very helpful in restructuring the operations and activities of PKNS in order to be the best organisation in this region.”

PKNS is a state agency established in 1964 to help develop Selangor - malaysiakini.com

Aiyo, if she is the most capable then she should get the job lah! If a Malay is most capable he/she should get the job. If a Chinese is most capable he/she should get the job. If an Indian is most capable he/she should get the job. This is developing Selangor lah! If a Chinese/Malay/Indian/Iban/Kadazan/any-other-minority is the best candidate then he/she should be appointed! So stop all this bitching and bullshitting and let her get to work!.