The Malaysian Institute of Translations and Books (ITBM) expressed its appreciation to the federal government for terminating the contract of its board of director chairperson Shahruddin Md Salleh for accepting an appointment in an opposition party.

“ITBM would like to express our thanks to the Education Minister (Mahdzir Khalid) for his action which in one swoop, ended the negative connotations which suddenly assailed ITBM, when we were accused of harbouring a secret opposition agenda, after Shahruddin accepted the post of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) secretary-general,” said the institute in a statement.

The institute was referring to Mahdzir’s statement yesterday on the termination of Shahruddin’s contract

In relation to the matter, ITBM said that it will wait for further instructions from Mahdzir on who to replace Shahruddin as stated in its articles of incorporation that accords the power to suggest a new appointment for a replacement to the minister.

Furthermore, ITBM explained that as an organisation under the government, specifically under the ambit of the Finance Ministry, and overseen by the Education Ministry, ITBM is committed to fulfilling the duties entrusted to it by the government.

The institute stressed that all its objectives and purpose are focused on uplifting and internationalising the national literary and academic works, which it has responsibly discharged with sincerity.

As such the institute reiterated that it rejects all negative efforts which intentionally tried to destroy its credibility as an organisation that answers to the nation.

ITBM stressed that it answers only to the country, to which it is responsible and beholden to.

Shahruddin was removed immediately from his post following his acceptance of the appointment to Bersatu.