PKR deputy president Azmin Ali today urged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is also finance minister, to immediately stop interfering and exerting political pressure on Bank Islam over the suspension of its chief economist, Azrul Azwar Ahmad Tajudin.

NONE "Azrul's statement that he is sympathetic to his superiors who faced political pressure after the incident, has proven that there was political interference in the management of Bank Islam and other government-linked companies," said Azmin ( left ) during a press conference at PKR headquarters today.

He called on Bank Islam management to cancel Azrul's suspension as it has created the impression that the company does not appreciate  the professionalism and freedom of thought of its own chief economist.

The Gombak MP said the move has tarnished the image of the Malaysian corporate and financial industry, particularly firms under government control.

Civil society: Reinstate him

Azrul, a PKR member, was suspended by his employer after he predicted, during a forum in Singapore recently, that there was a high chance of BN losing in the next general election.

He believed the suspension was politically motivated but Bank Islam has denied this , arguing that the company believed Azrul had breached its employment policies.

In another development, 54 NGOs and 107 professionals issued a joint press release to urge Bank Islam to reinstate Azrul Azwar or risk leaving an impression that the company only reports data that is favourable to BN.

The press release said businesses requires freedom of information and Azrul Azwar was providing his professional assessment that has economic and financial consequences.

Among others, the signatories include Bersih, Aliran, All Women's Action Society (Awam), Sisters in Islam (SiS) and Proham.