Ex-transport minister questions removal of two professionals from CAAM

KUALA LUMPUR (April 9): Former transport minister Anthony Loke has questioned the removal of two professionals as authority members of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

In a Facebook post, the Pakatan Harapan lawmaker said Afzal Abdul Rahim and Ragunath Kesavan, who were appointed during his tenure as transport minister, are no longer on the civil aviation body’s board.

He acknowledged that it was the sitting minister’s right to appoint or remove any board members of statutory bodies under the ministry, but questioned why there was no differentiation between professional and political appointees.

“Afzal is the chief executive officer of TIME dotCom Bhd, Independent Board Member of CIMB Group Holdings Bhd and a licensed FAA Commercial Pilot.

“When I first met him, he was very critical about CAAM's efficiency but very passionate about aviation-related issues. I then invited him to join the board of CAAM to turn his criticism to constructive suggestions to improve CAAM.

“He agreed but with one condition. He said he wants to do national service and serve on a pro bono basis. He refused to accept any allowances from CAAM,” Loke said of Afzal.

Meanwhile, Loke said Ragunath, who is a former Bar Council chairman, was appointed as CAAM needed a someone with a strong legal background.

“I appointed him although I know that he was a strong critic of the then Pakatan Harapan government,” added Loke.

The former minister pointed out that he had not removed any professionals or non-politicians appointed by his predecessor during his tenure.

“I let them serve until the end of their term,” he said.