APPOINTEES to the board of port commissions will no longer be limited to those from political parties, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

“It will be unlike the past,” he said in Penang today after witnessing the joint venture signing between Penang Port and Royal Caribbean Cruises to redevelop the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.

“Previously, they were all from political parties, but we won’t do that. We want to have more professionals on board, suitable representatives from various industries.”

There will be a combination of stakeholders sitting on the boards, which will also include political appointees, he said.

He was commenting on the Penang Port Commission chairman post which remains unfilled. The post was previously occupied by MCA politicians when Barisan Nasional was in power.

PPC was not the only one needing new appointments, as the commission chairmen for ports in Klang, Johor, Labuan and Bintulu were also vacant, Loke said.

“The chairmen are appointed by the Agong, at the recommendation of the prime minister. There is a slight delay as there are many appointments to be made.

“Names are still being vetted carefully to make sure we appoint the right people.” – September 6, 2018.