Jabu must explain, demands DAP

KUCHING, July 15, 2014: Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu Numpang must explain why his son, Gerald Rentap, is sitting on the board of directors of Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco).

" In what capacity is Rentap sitting on the board?" Sarawak DAP chairman Chng Chieng Jen asked in a statement today.

 He said that since the State Financial Secretary, through Sarawak Energy Berhad, owns all the shares in Sesco, the directors of Sesco are appointed by the State Government.

"In normal circumstances, the officers from the State Secretary's department, State Finance Secretary's department, the Attorney-General’s chamber and relevant ministry are appointed as directors in such strategic industry company, electricity supply to the whole state, to ensure that the government’s policies are implemented. 

"As far as I know, Rentap is not an officer of any of the State Government’s agencies. 

"His only linkage to the Sarawak State Government is his father, Jabu who is the Deputy Chief Minister, but such linkage should not be considered in the appointment of directorship of a government-owned company.

"Therefore, it begs the question why Rentap was appointed since year 2005 till this day, a director in the board of Sesco.

"Is Rental appointed as a director because he is the son of Jabu?

"Jabu and the State Government owe the people of Sarawak an explanation on Rentap's appointment," Chong, who is also the Bandar Kuchinn MP, said.

He said that Jabu must take the cue from Chief Minister Adenan Satem of not allowing his immediate family members to obtain personal benefits from the government.

"If Jabu supports Adenan's policy, then he should immediately procure the cabinet to direct that his son resigns or be removed as the director of Sesco.

"So far, we have seen neither resignation nor removal of his son as director of Sesco," Chong added, asking Jabu to practise the good policy of Adenan by ensuring that Rentap resigns as a director of Sesco.