GEORGE TOWN – Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is the latest to come to Datuk P. Kuvenaraju’s defence after questions were raised on the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) non-executive director’s generous wages and the alleged lack of transparency in his appointment.
Kuvenaraju has a role to play in strengthening PBAPP, including reviewing its operating policies and procedures, Chow told the state assembly today.
He said Kuvenaraju also helps bolster the company’s internal control structure by ensuring a system of checks and balances, and proper succession planning.
“His role is complementary to the duties of the chief executive officer, and it gives more space and time to the chief executive officer to focus on his duties with regard to public water supply distribution.”
On Friday, The Vibes reported that Kuvenaraju’s pay package was approved after PBAPP registered a net loss of RM102.43 million for the financial year ended December 31, 2018.
His gross annual income of RM560,400 is also twice as high as that of his fellow directors.
Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy, in a Facebook post over the weekend, said there may be a conspiracy fuelling the need to question Kuvenaraju’s duties and salary, and singled out an article that sought to seek clarification on the matter as “mischievous” and “fictitious”.
Meanwhile, the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) has urged the state to allow an independent audit firm to look into PBA Holdings Bhd, the controlling shareholder of PBAPP, following reports of alleged irregular practices.
C4 director Cynthia Gabriel said an independent investigation may be the best recourse after Ramasamy raised the notion of a possible whistle-blower in the company, leading to scrutiny of Kuvenaraju’s wages.
She expressed hope that there will not be a witch-hunt in the state-linked firm, and for transparency to prevail. – The Vibes, October 19, 2020
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