DAP’s Santiago named new SPAN chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP’s Klang MP Charles Santiago has been appointed as the new chairman of the National Water Service Commission (SPAN) effective immediately.

Announcing Santiago’s appointment today, Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Xavier Jayakumar said Santiago’s two-year tenure would end on Oct 31, 2020.

Jayakumar said the previous chairman resigned after the 14th general election and that the ministry was still evaluating candidates for two remaining vacancies in SPAN.

He also said he was aware that there were still political appointees from the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) administration in SPAN.

“They should be brave enough to resign because the Pakatan Harapan government has decided to replace all political appointees from BN era,” he said.

Santiago meanwhile said he knew the water industry and its players well.

“I will work hard to bring changes,” he said.