the Star online
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/10/30/nation/2408228&sec=nation

Thursday October 30, 2008
Chew supports MB’s decision

KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun has urged Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to stand by his decision to appoint Low Siew Moi as acting general manager of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).

In supporting Low’s appointment, Chew said Khalid should not back down on his decision.

“Even though I share a different political ideology with Tan Sri Khalid, I believe in the Selangor Mentri Besar’s trust and confidence in women’s capabilities to helm PKNS,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Chew stressed that the appointment of top government posts should not be based on skin colour or gender but on the ability to perform.

She criticised Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hassan Mohamed Ali and former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo who questioned Low’s appointment.

Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation executive council member Tan Sri Robert Phang questioned why Low’s appointment was only temporary. “So long as the person is experienced and professionally qualified, she should be given the fair opportunity to lead a corporation, and even upgrade the social economy status of bumiputras,” he said in a statement. Shah Alam Umno information chief Mohd Azhar Othman said the appointment was against the main aim and policies behind the setting up of corporation and marked the first time it would be led by a non-bumiputra since it was set up in 1964. “It is as though he is belittling the experience and credibility of the Malay officers in PKNS,” he said in a statement yesterday. Mohd Azhar said that two candidates who should have been considered were deputy general manager (administration) Md Nasir Md Arshad and deputy general manager (technical) Abdul Ghani Hassan. On Tuesday, the Selangor Malays Residents Action Body held a protest against Low’s appointment outside the Selangor state secretariat building. The group’s chairman, Kamaruddin Raja Ab Wahid, said the appointment infringed on Malay rights and insulted the Sultans.