Lau’s appointment as Niosh head yet another broken promise, says pol-sec to Chief Minister

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KUCHING: A political secretary to the chief minister has accused Pakatan Harapan (PH) of breaking its election promise on not making political appointments, by appointing Lanang MP Alice Lau to head the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh).

Soo Li Ching in a statement yesterday said PH Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen had neither explained nor clarified on what basis or qualification was Lau selected for the position.

“YB Chong Chieng Jen should do some revision and read again the Buku Harapan – Pakatan Harapan’s Manifesto for GE14. Promise 22 states that ‘The Pakatan Harapan Government will ensure the appointment of state and national Government-Linked Companies Board members will be made based on merit and professionalism, not based on politics’.

“Therefore, we assume Lau’s appointment as the chairman of Board of Directors for Niosh is not because of her profession, but solely a political appointment. Once again, Pakatan Harapan has broken their promise to the people for GE14,” she said, adding that Lau is a pharmacist by profession with a Masters of Pharmacy from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

Lau’s appointment, effective Oct 1, runs until Sept 20, 2022. She replaced Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye who had served as Niosh chairman since 1994.

Soo also wondered whether Lau’s appointment meant that PH did not have any other women in its ranks capable of holding such an important post, and questioned whether the MP would be able to split her time between serving the needs of her constituents and discharging her duties as Niosh head.

“We do agree and support more promotion for women in such an important position or high government post to show women empowerment, (but it is) as if there are no more capable women in DAP or Pakatan Harapan to hold this position,” she said.