Comments by Lim Kit Siang on appointment of TI-M’s President, Datuk Paul Low as head of the PKFZ Ad-Hoc committee on corporate governance.
Our reference is made to the comments that was made by Lim Kit Siang concerning the appointment of Datuk Paul Low, the Transparency International Malaysia President as head of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) Ad- Hoc committee on corporate governance that appeared in the Edge on 17th June 2009 entitled “ Kit Siang queries choice of Low for PKFZ panel” and also his subsequent comment at the Parliamentary session. As the MP (DAP-Ipoh Timur) had expressed doubts as to Datuk Low’s ability to carry out his responsibility in an impartial manner, Datuk Low provides below his personal reply to clarify the issues that were mentioned as follows:
1. I joined the MCA as a life member in 1991 at the time when the NEP had expired and there was the need to prepare the new OPP (Outline Perspective Plan). For this purpose, the government had set up the NECCI (National Economic Consultative Council I) to discuss and formulate recommendations for the subsequent plan. At that time I felt the need to participate in these consultations as I believe that I will be able to contribute meaningfully. To be able to be given a place to participate I have to be proposed by a political party. Hence the MCA offered me the opportunity and I accepted. This explains my membership and also involvement in its think-tank. Subsequently, I have no involvement in any political activities of MCA and I have long forgotten that my membership still exist. Therefore, as it is highlighted out that my membership in MCA may be perceived as an impairment to my impartiality I will now initiate my resignation and thus revoking my membership of MCA.
2. Transparency International Malaysia (TI-Malaysia) is apolitical and a reputable NGO highly regarded and with international affiliation to Transparency International. As the President of the Malaysia Chapter I must observe strict ethic standards and impartiality. I have chosen to accept the appointment to head the Ad Hoc Committee because TI-Malaysia strongly believes that it can contribute significantly to improve the system of governance and integrity in government agencies such as PKFZ. It is my hope and that of TI-Malaysia that through our involvement in PKFZ we will be able to make this agency into an exemplary model of integrity. I also hope that out of the lessons learnt and the subsequent implementation of measures taken to enhance good governance, similar practices or reform can be replicated in other government agencies or institutions at the federal and state levels regardless of their political affiliation.
3. As the head of the Ad Hoc committee I am not obliged to succumb to or meet the expectations of the personal preference of individuals in business or in politics. What the members of the committee and I need to ensure is that the best practices and a high level of governance are put in place in PKFZ. This is the main mission of the committee. Although there may be a need to review the events highlighted by the PWC report in order to get a clear understanding of the weaknesses and lapses in governance, it is not the role of the committee to investigate individuals or parties involved directly or indirectly. This, I understand clearly is the purview of the MACC.
Issued by
Datuk Paul Low
President
Transparency International Malaysia
