The Hindu Business Line : Malaysian Minister elected CPA Chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Unity and Culture Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal was elected Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) on Saturday defeating British Parliamentarian of Indian origin Lord Swraj Paul in a bitter contest marred by all egations of “deals''. Apdal, strongly backed by the Indian delegation, polled a total of 152 votes against 102 secured by Paul, a nominee of Britain and Canada. One vote was declared “spoilt''.

Reacting to his election as the new Chairman of the CPA which has 15,000 members covering 177 branches, Apdal said “it is an honour.'' After the results were announced, Lord Paul went and hugged the Malaysian Minister. “It was a good election,'' said P aul, a Labour member of the House of Lords.

“I pointed out what needs to be done by this CPA. The UK will support the new Chairman to reach that aim.'' Paul took the defeat in his stride and mentioned that barring some exceptions, Indian delegates had chosen to vote for the Malaysian candidate in a “quid pro quo which I understand had been agreed upon three years ago'' at the previous CPA Chairmanship election in Fiji when West Bengal Assembly Speaker Hashim Abdul Halim was elected the Chairman. - PTI

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