KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan has raised concerns over the appointment of Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din as National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman.
The Tasek Gelugor MP cited possible conflicts of interest due to the latter’s ongoing involvement in companies operating within the regulated water sector.
“I would like to ask, has Datuk Abdul Kadir relinquished his other roles?” Wan Saiful said in a statement.
“Is the government not concerned about the risk of conflict of interest when the Chairman of SPAN is also actively involved in companies operating commercially in a sector regulated by the same body?”
Abdul Kadir, who began his two-year term with SPAN on May 5, is reported to be the managing director of wastewater consultancy Sacra Sol Sdn Bhd.
He also serves as an advisor to Ranhill Holdings Berhad, which is linked to Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd—the company responsible for water services in Johor.
“A person serving as a regulator should not be commercially active in companies under their purview. That is a basic ethical standard to ensure good governance and to prevent collusion, corruption and cronyism,” said Wan Saiful.
He called on the government to provide immediate clarification on whether Abdul Kadir had stepped down from all positions that may compromise his role as SPAN chairman.
The appointment has drawn scrutiny over the transparency of government decisions involving regulatory bodies, particularly when private sector interests are involved.
Abdul Kadir previously held key roles in the water sector, including as Chief Executive Officer of Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) and Chief Operating Officer of Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB). He also served as president of the Malaysian Water Association.
He replaces Charles Santiago, who concluded his second term as SPAN Chairman. Santiago first held the position between 2018 and 2020, and was reappointed in 2022.
When contacted, Santiago expressed hope that his work over the last two years in improving SPAN’s efficiency and integrity would continue under the new leadership.
“I thank the Prime Minister and the Minister in charge for the opportunity to serve,” Santiago told Scoop.
“I hope the momentum built over the past two years be maintained to realise the full potential of SPAN’s.” – May 7, 2025