Minister confirms viral support letter, acknowledges nepotism concern
A copy of a support letter written by Deputy Defence Minister Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz purportedly asking for his son to be appointed into Pharmaniaga's board of directors has gone viral on social media yesterday.
The letter addressed to Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob was dated June 5 and contained a handwritten note by Ismail where he minuted to the chairperson of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) his nod to the suggestion...
A copy of a support letter written by Deputy Defence Minister Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz purportedly asking for his son to be appointed into Pharmaniaga's board of directors has gone viral on social media yesterday.
The letter addressed to Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob was dated June 5 and contained a handwritten note by Ismail where he minuted to the chairperson of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) his nod to the suggestion.
When contacted by Malaysiakini on Friday evening, Ismail confirmed the authenticity of the letter and his note saying "I agree".
The Bera MP said that he had lent his support to Ikmal Hisham's son Ikmal Hazlan (above) given the man's experience in business and politics.
"Yes, I did give my support. He (Hazlan) is a businessperson, so his experience can be useful. Politically, he is also an Umno Youth exco member," Ismail said.
However, when asked by Malaysiakini if this could raise the issue of nepotism given that Hazlan is the son of his deputy, Ismail agreed this was a matter of concern.
According to the senior minister, this was why he stopped short at only minuting his support without following through with Hazlan's appointment.
"Yes (I agree this could be nepotism). This was why I did not appoint him," he said.
It is learned that the pharmaceutical company had several vacancies on its board of directors following the recent retirement of three members, prior to the company's annual general meeting on July 20.
The company had later appointed three new members (below), as per its announcement to Bursa Malaysia on Aug 3. They are Azhar Ahmad, Najmil Faiz Mohamed Aris, and Zulkifli Jafar.
Malaysiakini has contacted Ikmal Hisham for his comments on the matter.
For the record, Pharmaniaga's majority shareholder is Boustead Holdings. The LTAT, in turn, holds a majority stake in Boustead as well as a smaller stake in Pharmaniaga.
According to a LinkedIn profile that purportedly belongs to Hazlan, his work experience includes being the managing director of a car dealership, and the chairperson of the Malaysia Economic and Social Committee in the Malaysia Youth Parliament.
He is also listed as the executive director of a capital company, and managing director of another car dealership business that specialises in luxury vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) has condemned the issuance of the support letter.
Its founding director Cynthia Gabriel told Malaysiakini that such a move was an abuse of power, and called on Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to take stern action.
"If this is legit, the Perikatan Nasional government and especially the prime minister has a lot to answer for.
"Firstly this is a clear abuse of power by the deputy minister. Issuing support letters is very unwelcomed if the prime minister's pledges to cut corruption are to be taken seriously," she said.
"It defeats competition and denies those with no political connections a chance to succeed and shine.
"Promoting nepotism is the most dangerous enabler to corruption. Muhyiddin must take stern action immediately," Cynthia added.
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