New Span Chairman Resigned From Relevant Posts At Private Firms Says Govt

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 The energy transition and water transformation ministry addresses concerns over a possible conflict of interest in the appointment of Abdul Kadir Din.
Abdul Kadir Din was appointed as the new National Water Services Commission chairman effective May 5. (Facebook pic)PETALING JAYA: The government today confirmed that Abdul Kadir Din, who was recently appointed as chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), resigned from his posts at private water and waste management-related firms, amid concerns over a possible conflict of interest
The energy transition and water transformation ministry said that resigning from these posts was mandatory for appointment to the position.
It also said that Kadir had stepped down “several years ago” as adviser to Ranhilll Holdings Bhd, which provides water supply services and operates water and wastewater treatment plants, among others.
“One of the key conditions for appointment was that the candidate must resign from any position that could give rise to a conflict of interest.
“Based on our review, he has fully complied, and a copy of his resignation letter was submitted to the ministry,” it told FMT.
Bersatu MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan had raised concerns over a possible conflict of interest in the governance of the water sector following Kadir’s appointment.
Wan Saiful, the MP for Tasek Gelugor, asked if Kadir had relinquished all other positions that might overlap with his new role.
He said that those who hold regulatory posts should not be actively involved in commercial entities operating within the sector they oversee.
The ministry however said that each member of the commission, including the chairman, was subject to a code of ethics and conflict of interest policy.
“They are required to declare any potential conflicts and must recuse themselves from related decisions when necessary,” it said.
It also noted the non-executive nature of the chairman’s role at SPAN, saying Kadir had no authority to make executive decisions unilaterally.
It said all major decisions were made as a collective with the other commission members and the CEO, and that proposals on policy must first be reviewed by the ministry.
The ministry also defended Kadir’s appointment, saying the appointment of those with relevant industry experience was necessary to drive meaningful transformation in the sector.
It said appointing the relevant people was an approach consistent with national practices, where technocrats are appointed to strategic positions to contribute their expertise without compromising professional integrity.
“Such appointments are closely monitored by enforcement agencies to prevent any misuse of power and to uphold the highest standards of governance,” it said.
Kadir was appointed as the new SPAN chairman effective May 5, replacing former Klang MP Charles Santiago whose two-year term had come to an end. - FMT

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