The phrase “think twice before you speak” often advises caution, yet most rarely listen. Supermax co-founders Datuk Wira Cheryl Tan Bee Geok (速柏玛) and Datuk Seri Stanley Thai Kim Sim (郑金昇) are certainly facing the consequences of a careless remark now.
Supermax Corp Bhd went viral last week after Datuk Wira Cheryl Tan shared her thoughts on why the group suffered a quarterly loss. However, it seems she also revealed some discord between the family and needless to say, it’s drawn people to the drama, like sharks to blood.
In an article published by The Star previously, Supermax co-founder Datuk Wira Cheryl Tan was quoted claiming the company needed a “balanced board with more independent directors with the right mindset to provide checks and balances” for future progress. She also reportedly stated that, aside from the drop in productivity, the purchase of a new aircraft for US$47.39 million (RM221.92 million) was one of the main causes of Supermax’s ongoing loss for four consecutive quarters.
Cheryl added that Cecile Jaclyn Thai (35) the couple’s eldest daughter, had opposed the purchase. Cecile had also questioned her father’s sole authority in making financial decisions, which later led to her being redesignated from executive director to non-executive director. Reportedly, Cecile’s sister, Aurelia Joie Thai (30), had also disputed the purchase, allegedly leading to attempts to remove her as one of Supermax’s subsidiary directors.
After the remarks were made, Supermax issued a statement yesterday (11th December) claiming “neither the company nor its management, or any of the board members of Supermax are in any way responsible for any claims made in the article or the correctness of the content therein”. They added that shareholders without management role or position in the company’s board of directors have no authority to make any official statement on its behalf.
Datuk Seri Stanley Thai, Supermax’s executive chairman, and Datuk Wira Cheryl Tan are shareholders of Supermax Holdings Sdn Bhd with a 38.38% joint stake. As for Cecile, she has already stepped down in April, with claims she was bullied and silenced by her father and other board members. But, Supermax said the claims were unfounded.
Well, the remarks were certainly an insight into the inner workings of Supermax. However, as for their progress in the future, we shall simply have to wait and see.
Sources: Sin Chew Daily, The Edge Malaysia
