Poh Li San on Transport Sector (Critical Firms) Bill

The transportation industry is a demanding, complex and highly regulated business where suitable leadership candidates may not be readily available. Hence, for succession, the appointment of an appropriate CEO and Chairman is naturally challenging. "Why are we limiting our choices for good talent when we should be reconsidering our regulations to bring in the best?" MP Poh Li San raised this question in Parliament on Wednesday (May 8). She asked if the Transport Minister could share the broad criteria for the Chairman and CEO for designated entities, such as nationality, professional background, experience and track record in the relevant transport industry. Under the Transport Sector (Critical Firms) Bill, Ms Poh also asked under what circumstances will decisions on changes in business ownership controls be blocked by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and what level of flexibility and independence would investors have with regard to the non-transport related business arms of designated entities. Turning to the step-in powers of the Transport Minister to which the Bill accords, Ms Poh asked what are the trigger events for the Minister to exercise his step-in powers, and if exercised, how would MOT and its regulatory agencies take over or support the team to stabilise the situation. She also wanted to know if MOT would also have the powers to mandate competitors of the affected designated operating entity to take over its responsibilities to minimise service disruptions.