PENANG: April 24, 2008 By LOOI SUE-CHERN
Another Gerakan leader has been offered a post by the state government.
Former Bukit Tambun assemblyman Lai Chew Hock (pic) was appointed vice-chairman of the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) earlier this month.
State Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang, who is the festival committee chairman, explained that Lai's appointment was a non-political matter.
“This is about the development of the sport (dragon boat), not about politics,” he said.
The state is in the midst of preparing for an international dragon boat race that will be held from July 31 to Aug 4.
Lai, who previously headed the PIDBF committee, was also offered to remain as chairman in the Penang State Huayue Orchestra committee. He has however turned down this offer.
It is learnt that Gerakan was not in favour of Lai's appointment as vice-chairman of the PIDBF.
Asked at a press conference yesterday whether Lai had resigned as vice-chairman, Law said he had not received any such letter.
“I hope he will not pull out because he has many years of experience in dragon boat festivals.
“We also need to have people from Opposition parties to monitor our actions and point out our mistakes. Lai will be able to monitor us more closely if he is involved in the festival,” he added.
Lai was not fielded in the recent general election and could not be reached for comments.
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