ANTHONY Loke has nominated a candidate to replace Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) executive chairman general (rtd) Abdullah Ahmad.

The transport minister said he has submitted a name to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for consideration.

“As far as Mavcom is concerned, I’ve recommended a name to the prime minister. It’s the prerogative of the prime minister to make the appointment. I hope the appointment will be made soon to ensure continuity in Mavcom,” he said today.

Last week, Bernama reported that Abdullah was stepping down from the post.

Last month, Loke had revealed that Abdullah’s salary was RM85,000 a month, four times what Dr Mahathir earned.

He said the prime minister instructed for a salary review to be carried out after it was revealed that Abdullah’s monthly salary and allowance in 2016 amounted to RM78,300.

He said there was a 3% increase last year, and a further 5% increment this year, bringing Abdullah’s current salary to RM85,000.

The government has said it will review the salaries of board chairmen of all statutory bodies and government-linked companies.

Abdullah, a former air force general, has served Mavcom for more than two years.

“I thank the Mavcom executive chairman for his services. As far as salary is concerned, the new executive chairman will definitely take a pay cut,” said Loke.

“On the quantum (of the cut), I will make an announcement later.”

Mavcom was also thrust in the spotlight after AirAsia, Eaglexpress Air Charter Sdn Bhd and Suasa Airlines Sdn Bhd called for it to be abolished, saying the commission is “incompetent” and “a needless expense”.

Meanwhile, Loke declined to comment on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail project, saying the matter is being handled by Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali. – July 10, 2018.