Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department deputy chief, Mohd Ali Tambi Chik, who blew the whistle last year on alleged irregularities involving his superior, has confirmed that he will be forced to retire with effect from Dec 1.

Senior Asst commissioner Mohd Ali, 48, made headlines after lodging a report with the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), accusing department director-general Jaafar Sidek Tambi of corruption and abuse of power in using department personnel and facilities to organise the parties.

The first reception on Sept 14 was held at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara and was attended by some 5,000 people. The next day, another function was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, where 600 guests were feted.

Contacted today, Mohd Ali said he had received the letter terminating his services two weeks ago, from the Public Services Department (PSD).

He told malaysiakini that no reason was given for the termination, and added that he was "not yet ready" to comment on the development.

Allegation investigated

The Star

reported today that the one-page letter was issued by PSD director-general Jamaluddin Ahmad Damanhuri.

Qouting Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Peter Chin, the report Mohd Ali's service was terminated "in the interest of the public".

Chin also reportedly said the allegation against Jaafar had been investigated and that he has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Malaysiakini had earlier reported that Mohd Ali was slapped with six show-cause letter from his superiors following his expos.

The allegation was first raised in the Dewan Rakyat by PAS MP for Pokok Sena Mahfuz Omar, but this was later denied by Housing and Local Governments Minister Ong Ka Ting.

Mahfuz claimed that Jaafar had abused his position as the department head to make use of department's time, personnel and facilities for his son's wedding preparations. The MP substantiated his claims with photographs and copies of minutes of departmental meetings.

Ong told the Dewan Rakyat, however, that Jaafar did not plan to hold such elaborate functions but was requested to do so by his staff.

He described these as "personal" functions that did not exploit the department's equipment, vehicles or staff as alleged.

On the involvement of employees and meetings held to organise the two functions, the minister said this was done in the department's spirit of gotong-royong (collective help).