GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has defended the appointment of Datuk P. Kuvenaraju as a non-executive director with the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), receiving a special allowance to the tune of RM47,600 plus some allowance.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in his winding up speech at the state legislative assembly sitting here today, said Kuvenaraju's main role was to strengthen PBAPP's administration, including to review the existing policies and standard operating procedure (SOP) and strengthen the internal control structure by ensuring check and balance.
"He is also overseeing the succession plan within PBAPP, including to identify the replacement for important positions and supervision works.
"His role is to complement the duties of the chief executive officer (CEO), and at the same time, give more space and time to the CEO to focus on his job with regards to water supply operation to the people, more so when it is facing various challenges," he said.
Kuvenaraju's appointment was recently raised at the state legislative assembly sitting by the opposition.
To a question by Zulkifli Ibrahim (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia- Sungai Acheh), Chow said Kuvenaraju's appointment was for a two-year period.
He said Kuvenaraju's appointment was also a cost saving measure for PBAPP in the long run.
"Prior to this, PBAPP has been engaging the services of outside consultant. Now, there is no need for it as Kuvenaraju can serve full time.
"Also, the PBAPP board is happy with whatever he had done all this while," he said.
Asked by Datuk Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor (Umno - Sungai Dua) if whatever works carried out by Kuvenaraju were reported to the PBAPP board, Chow replied in the positive.
"He attends every board meeting to table his findings.
"Also, he is not a stranger as he was previously a director in the company."