The ball is not in the CAT’s court

After the scandal that caused Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin to resign from his Penang state government position, the vacancy of Deputy Chief Minister 1 still remain until today.

Despite the Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng’s confirmation that the new Deputy Chief Minister 1 will be filled by 15 April 2009, clearly this does not materialized, which one finds it rather amazing. The resignation which took effect on 8 April 2009 and made known to the public as early as 22 March 2009 doesn’t seem to be sufficient for the ruling parties to find a fit and capable successor.

It is very dissappointing that the vacancy be unnecessarily prolong as there are only 2 candidates available at the table, Batu Maung PKR assemblyman Encik Abdul Malik Abul Kassim or Sungai Bakap assemblyman Encik Maktar Shapee. This vacancy also create unnecessary queries as to whether the 2 candidates are either incapable or improbable to fill the vacancy. The delay of appointment raised unnecessary doubts as to the reputation of an effective and independent government.

The allegations of Lim Guan Eng that he wanted to give more time to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to name (and not recommend) the new Deputy Chief Minister 1 seems awkward as Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had never in public request for such adjournment.YAB Lim Guan Eng helplessly make himself look foolish to keep kicking the ball to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim despite DAP being the sole majority party in the state assembly. In term of suitable candidate, does DAP has none to offer if PKR is incapable of providing a choice? Must DAP allow any Tom, Dick and Harry from PKR to fill the 2nd highest post in state government if PKR’s own leadership has no confidence in their choice?

Indeed, the Penang State Government that stress on Credibility, Accountability and Transparency had created Curiosity, Anxiety and Trepidation amongst the public.

A strong government cannot exist without a 2nd in command, YAB Lim Guan Eng should appoint a trustworthy caretaker of the Chief Minister’s post in case of absent and not to allow his choice for 2nd in command to be place under the liberty of 1 man, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The current scenario makes one question Lim Guan Eng’s rational and wisdom.

The Chief Minister of CAT must show his credibility on the reasons of Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin’s resignation, show his accountability to the Rakyat for allowing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to name his no.2 and the transparancy of the background and scandal involving the ex Deputy Chief Minister 1 if any.

The question will always be does the CAT government has the ball?

by Tan Chun Ming
Invited Columnist, Gerakan's member