Information Minister Khalil Yaakob who was accused of misappropriating state resources, should take the leave from his government post pending the completion of investigations by police, said opposition leaders today.

Opposition Leader Fadzil Noor told malaysiakini that from a moral perspective, Khalil is advised to take the leave, particularly from his government post, until police investigations are over.

Beserah state assemblyman Fauzi Abdul Rahman had lodged a police report with the Kuantan district police headquarters against Khalil on last Wednesday. He claimed that Khalil had committed abuse of power including awarding timber concessions without following procedures.

Following that, Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Umno will set up a special ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegations. However, Khalil's position as the secretary-general of Umno and information minister will remain.

Mahathir also said if the report is unfounded, action will be taken against the person who lodged the report for 'malicious intent to disgrace the party'.

Open manner

Fadzil, however, questioned Umno's motive in setting up the special ad-hoc committee.

He told reporters today at the Parliament House lobby that the setting-up of the committee by Umno implied they did not trust the police.

"The complaint has been made to the police as it is an criminal issue involving alleged abuse of power by Khalil during his tenure as menteri besar. They should have just let the police investigate," said Fadzil, who is the PAS president.

He added the case had nothing to do with party discipline and the police should by right investigate the matter.

Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail also said that Khalil should have temporary step down from his post as information minister pending a full investigation into the police report lodged against him.

She hoped the investigation of Khalil's case will be done in a fair and open manner.

"The police should be allowed to take action without any interference from the executive," she said.