Penang to nominate hospital director for senatorship

GEORGE TOWN: In a decision that has taken many by surprise, a hospital director has emerged as the Penang government's nominee for senatorship.

A senior state DAP leader confirmed that Sungai Bakap Hospital director Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam is the state's pick, with the decision made at the DAP's central executive committee meeting on Friday (March 3).

Two other candidates, David Marshel and Harvindar Singh, were earlier said to be in the running for the nomination.

Lingeshwaran was chosen although he only became a DAP member four months ago, and it is said his candidacy was pushed by a top party leader.

When contacted, the 36-year-old said he had not been officially notified by the state of his nomination.

Lingeshwaran is the son of Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam, a well-known businessman and former MIC strongman on the Penang mainland.

Lingeshwaran holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the Royal College of Medicine in Perak and Master of Healthcare Administration from University New South Wales.

He also holds a Masters of Law from Taylor's University.

He was appointed as the Sungai Bakap Hospital director in August 2022.

His nomination is expected to be tabled at the state assembly when it meets on March 6.