Wednesday June 6, 2012

Thanasayan reappointed as councillor due to proven track record

By EDWARD R. HENRY and PRIYA MENON
metro@thestar.com.my

PETALING Jaya City councillor Anthony Thanasayan has been reappointed to serve for another term, while two others — Tang Fuie Koh and Harmony Ghani Ismail — whose appointment was put on hold were dropped.

There were calls for Thanasayan to be dropped following several allegations against him.

However, following a two-month indepth investigation these were found to be baseless.

On Monday afternoon, Thanasayan took his oath under the Local Government Act 1976, which was the declaration of acceptance of office in front of Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohammad Roslan Sakiman.

Tang was replaced by Petaling Jaya Utara PKR division chief Lee Chin Cheh or better known as C. C. Lee, 41, while Harmony was dropped in favour of Kelana Jaya PKR Youth chief Azman Yusof, 44.

The chosen ones: (From left) Councillors Suresh, Azman, Yusof Lee and Anthony Thanasayan during the swearing-in ceremony.

Another vacant position was filled by Subang PKR division committee member Suresh Gengiah, 44 — a businessman.

On March 8, the council was thrown into confusion when the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 10.30am was called off five minutes before the start. It was called off on technical grounds.

Again on March 12, the PJ City council postponed the swearing-in ceremony of its councillors for the second time. On March 20, only 20 councillors were sworn-in for the 2012-2013 term with five new faces.

They were non-governmental organisation members Norliana Ahmad, 41, Ahmad Akhir Pawanchik, 45, DAP member Lee Suet Sen, 42, an engineer and PAS duo Azri Mohamad Arish, 42 and Ghazali Daud, 58.

According to a state administrative official, Lee, Azman and Suresh were vetted thoroughly.

“On Thanasayan’s case, the allegations against him were baseless as there were no documents to support them. It all involved allegations outside the scope of being a councillor. As a councillor, he has a proven track record,” she said.

Thanasayan said he was now more determined to help the disabled community that’s financially disadvantaged.

“For animal welfare, I will think of plans that will involve pet lovers understanding their pets,” he said.

Thanasayan added that his first move was to work with state exco Dr Xavier Jeyakumar to establish a special state council for animals.

Meanwhile, Suresh who lives in Lembah Subang said he was informed of his appointment as a councillor on Friday last week while he was in India.

“I accepted the councillor’s post, as I have the desire to serve the people,” he said.

Lee, a lawyer, said he was eager to use the post to create a more greener environment for PJ folks.

“I have been working behind the scenes for the party for four years and now the party would like me to come to the forefront. I will accept it graciously,” said the former Gerakan member who has been with PKR for 10 years.

Azman, a businessman in the construction line, said he would visit the urban poor of Desa Mentari and Desa Ria who are in need of help.