THE spat between tycoon Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who is seeking libel recourse against him, intensified when the former confirmed he had resigned as the executive advisor of the Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged in Sg Dua.
Tan told a media briefing that he was resigning on grounds that Chow allegedly went back on his word to endorse the proposed expansion of the home to construct staff quarters and more amenities for the old inmates living there.
His resignation was submitted in June with a six-month notice served, so as of today, Tan ceases to have any involvement in the home after about 15 - years.
“To me, his (Chow) actions were merely obligatory and perfunctory with fake promises. I am deeply disheartened by his actions as he has wasted the time of all parties. Chow did not stand up and fight for what is good and beneficial to the elderly.”
Hours after Tan, who is the lifetime advisor to the powerful Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce held his media briefing, Chow summoned one of his own in Komtar.
He prepared a seven-page statement, and denied the claims made by Tan although he admitted that he was informed of the latter’s desire to resign earlier.
“I've accepted his resignation in good faith and thanked him for his years of service.”
Asked if it was safe to assume that the tiff between Tan and him was in no relation to a libel suit he had filed against the tycoon, Chow replied that it was “your conclusion”.
He evaded answering directly but said he was governed by the principles of competency, accountability and transparency (CAT) on the matter.
The home was founded decades earlier by the philanthropic aspiration of the late Cheah Leong Keah when the chief minister’s position meant that the person holding the post is the chairman to the board of trustees whereas Tan was the executive advisor.
Chow said he has raised concerns over how the home wanted to develop the additional social amenities on grounds that the home did not appoint its own legal representative when negotiating between the home and the proposed contractor.
The contractor was later identified to be Magnificent Emblem Sdn Bhd before it was subsequently replaced by another company identified as Winbond Holdings Berhad.
The project was also awarded through direct tender, “something we have been hearing a lot recently,” said Chow.
Due to the lack of clarity in the project, Chow had advised the home to first appoint a legal advisor to represent them in an event of any legality.
“This was not adhered to,” Chow said.
“While it is regrettable that this partnership may no longer continue, I must make it clear that in my position as the chief minister as well as the chairman of the board of trustees, I owe a duty to ensure that everything on my watch is done in accordance with due procedures and within the proper legal framework.”
Chow also revealed that three ex-officio have duly resigned: Bernard Kok, Ong Jin Sin and Datuk Loh Yeow Boo.
Chow has ordered the state exco member in charge of welfare, Lim Siew Khim, to identify potential replacements to fill the vacancies soon.
The rift between Chow and Tan had simmered for some time when earlier in the year, Tan was quoted in media reports as accusing Chow of incompetency.
Chow has retaliated by seeking legal redress over the matter. – The Vibes, December 1, 2023
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