Bersatu MP flags potential conflict of interest in new SPAN head's appointment
Yesterday, SPAN announced Abdul Kadir Din's appointment as its new chairman effective May 5, replacing former Klang MP Charles Santiago. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA : Bersatu MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan has raised concerns over a possible conflict of interest in the governance of the water sector following the appointment of Abdul Kadir Din as chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).
Wan Saiful, who is Tasek Gelugor MP, questioned whether Kadir had relinquished any other position that might overlap with his new role.
He said that anyone holding a regulatory post should not be actively involved in commercial entities operating within the sector they oversee.
'This is a basic ethical principle to ensure good governance and to prevent collusion, corruption and cronyism.
Wan Saiful Wan Jan.
'The government must urgently clarify whether Kadir has stepped down from all conflicting roles before assuming his duties as SPAN chairman,' the Bersatu Supreme Council member said in a statement.
Yesterday, SPAN announced Kadir's appointment as its new chairman effective May 5, replacing former Klang MP Charles Santiago, whose two-year term had ended.
The media had reported that Kadir was the managing director of waste management company Sacra Sol Sdn Bhd.
He is also said to be an adviser to Ranhill Holdings Bhd, which is linked to Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd, the company managing water services in Johor.
'Is the government unbothered by the risk of conflict of interest when the SPAN chairman is also actively involved in companies operating commercially in the very sector regulated by SPAN?' Wan Saiful asked.
Kadir brings 36 years of experience in the water and sewerage industry. He previously served as CEO of Indah Water Konsortium from 2009 to 2016 and as chief operating officer of Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd from 2007 to 2009.
He is also a former president of the Malaysian Water Association and has been involved in various national and international water-related organisations.
FMT has reached out to the energy transition and water transformation ministry for comment.
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