Former tourism minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen has assumed the post of Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) chairman, defying a party directive not to accept government posts.
The MCA vice-president's decision brings her into direct confrontation with party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who insists that everyone adhere to MCA's decision not to accept the posts.
(Chua was reported as saying today that the rule applied only to new appointments and not those made before the May 5 general election.)
It could not be immediately ascertained when the appointment was made, but Tourism Malaysia officials said Ng had appointed herself chairman before the dissolution of Parliament in April, after she was told she would not be fielded in the election.
"However, when news of her appointment was leaked, she was subjected to criticism and ridicule in blogs. She subsequently rescinded the appointment by revoking the letter," said an MTPB officer.
Sources said that even if she had been appointed prior to May 5, it would be wrong in principle because "the minister cannot appoint herself."
Ng replaces the ministry's former secretary-general, Datuk Victor Wee, whose tenure as chairman ended on May 5.
Ng did not return calls made by theSun but sources said she "had already inspected the chairman's office" before she left the ministry just before the general election.
Chua could not be reached for comment.
The same officer said Ng had expected to start as chairman on Monday with an official "welcome on board" reception from senior officials including Director-General Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab Beg and his deputy, Datuk Azizan Noordin.
However, both are overseas and will only be back over the weekend. She is, therefore, expected to report for work next Monday.
Mirza is said to be accompanying Tourism Minister Datuk Nazri Aziz on an official visit to New Zealand.
- theSun
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