Najib names MCA chief to Penang Port Commission post

The Star, Tuesday 30 November 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has been appointed chairman of the Penang Port Commission and Penang Port Commission (Teluk Ewa) effective Nov 15.

The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement yesterday that Dr Chua’s one-year appointment until Nov 14 next year was to succeed Tan Cheng Liang, reported Bernama.

It said Dr Chua’s experience as a former cabinet minister and Johor state executive councillor would ensure the enhancement of the port commission’s functions as the supervisory body and facilitator for the development and expansion of the Penang Port.

“The government was sure that under Dr Chua’s leadership, the port’s performance would be enhanced and its status as the country’s major port could be maintained,” it added.

Later at an up close and personal dinner with his Facebook fans, Dr Chua thanked the Prime Minister for the appointment.

“He (Najib) did tell me to look into the port so that we can optimise it to be not just a cargo port but also a port for tourism especially for ocean liners to berth,” he told about 100 of his fans who attended the event.
He added that he would focus especially on the Tanjung Marina area which was not fully developed.
On whether the appointment would affect his work as the MCA president, Dr Chua said “I don’t think so because it’s not a full-time job anyway.” — Bernama