PKNS Controversy Selangor MB releases classified documents to 'clear the air' on Azmin's dismissal

by **Cals** Wed 22 Jan 2014, 19:15

PKNS Controversy Selangor MB releases classified documents to 'clear the air' on Azmin's dismissal

Business & Markets 2014

Written by fz.com (contributor to theedgemalaysia.com)

Wednesday, 22 January 2014 18:53

PETALING JAYA (Jan 22): Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim ordered his private secretary yesterday, to release several documents in chronological order, with regards to issues surrounding the Selangor State Development Corporation's (PKNS) board of directors.

The Menteri Besar's office, in a statement said, among the documents were decisions made by the State Exco, correspondence between the MB's office and state secretary, and others.

These documents are made public, under the MB's powers contained under Section 2(C) of the Official Secrets Act.

The statement read that these documents were released to enable the public to understand what transpired and stop speculating, for fear that this may jeopardise internal investigations undertaken by the state government.

"The Selangor Government believes in responsible and transparent administration, where the people have the right to know the truth behind any issue," read the statement.

Earlier, a group of Selangor Parti Keadilan Rakyat members called for the reinstatement of PKNS general manager Datuk Othman Omar and executive secretary Norita Mohd Sidek.

The group, led by Kuala Langat MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid and Batu Caves assemblyman Amirudin Shari, are claiming that the State had jumped the gun by transferring the duo out of PKNS, although investigations have just started.

In a memorandum submitted to the PKNS management yesterday morning, they said Othman and Norita must be given the chance to defend themselves and believed the decision to transfer them to the State secretariat, was a mistake.

Pledging solidarity with PKNS employees, Amirudin said Selangor PKR would act proactively, in protecting the rights of civil servants in the state.

Abdullah said that there were weaknesses in the procedures used, and described Norita's transfer as an error in judgment.

"If a person is suddenly transferred, it means punishment has been given and Norita has been victimised," he said.

"This does not involve any misappropriation of funds, and she needs to know the reasons for the transfer.

"Why had action been taken, before the probe was completed?" Abdullah asked.

"I will not keep silent, when the act is blatantly against rules and regulations. I am convinced, Norita has been victimised," the Malaysian Trades Union Congress deputy president added.

He said this after handing over the memorandum at the PKNS headquarters here, with some 50 other PKNS members.

He said that Norita could also take the matter to court, as it was wrong, according to the law.

The transfers were announced on Monday, and they were also barred from attending the PKNS board of directors meeting.

The transfers were over the issuance of a termination letter to State PKR chief Azmin Ali as a PKNS director, on Jan 8.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had said that he did not issue a directive to the effect, while Othman claimed it was a state executive council decision.

The investigations are to probe on how the letter was issued, without it going through Khalid, who is also the PKNS chairman.

For more stories, go to [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.], the website for freedom of expression and fairness in articulation.