Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok has defended the appointment of former 1MDB chairperson Mohd Bakke Salleh as chairperson of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).

While it is true that Mohd Bakke had been the 1MDB chairperson, she said he resigned from 1MDB over the improprieties in the company, where controversial money transfers were made without the knowledge of its board of directors.

Kok said Mohd Bakke had openly expressed disgust towards 1MDB’s dealings when testifying in the Public Accounts Committee hearings on the embattled state investment fund in 2016.

“Mohd Bakke is a man of integrity. He is a respected corporate figure with vast experience in the palm oil industry and the country will gain from his leadership and experience to bring the industry to greater heights. His contribution is also acknowledged by industry players who reacted positively to his appointment.

“I have full faith in Mohd Bakke’s ability to steer the MPOB in the right direction as the government increases its efforts to counter the anti-palm oil campaign against our commodity, as well as improve our palm oil industry’s performance.

“I am confident he will carry out his new role in MPOB with full commitment and dedication,” Kok added in a statement yesterday, in response to former senator Ezam Md Noor.

Mohd Bakke (photo) resigned from 1MDB in 2009 in protest against the 1MDB management’s move to divert US$700 million to Good Star Ltd, a company controlled by businessperson Low Taek Jho.

Yesterday, Ezam questioned Mohd Bakke’s appointment while the 1MDB scandal remains unresolved.

“Maintaining him (Mohd Bakke) in existing government-linked companies pending a comprehensive investigation on 1MDB may be acceptable but making a new appointment into a government agency is wrong and completely unacceptable.

“The new government's commitment to correct the wrongs of the past, particularly on 1MDB, must be comprehensive.

“It would be foolish and nonsensical if we were to assume the billions stolen from the country only involved two or three 'robbers',” Ezam said in a statement.

Ezam had previously named Mohd Bakke and other 1MDB officer bearers in a 2017 lawsuit against the company over the misappropriation of at least US$3.66 billion.