Suspend T'ganu exco pending MACC investigation - PKR

Terengganu PKR has called for the state executive councillor detained by the MACC to be suspended.

Terengganu PKR information chief Aiman Wan Alias said such a step was necessary to ensure that investigations into the alleged abuse of power could proceed freely and without any influence.

“The detention of a Terengganu exco over allegations of abuse of power is a serious blow to the credibility of the state government.

“This issue does not merely involve an individual, but touches on the culture of governance and the level of accountability within the administration,” he said in a statement today.

Aiman also urged Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who was appointed Perikatan Nasional chairperson yesterday, to state his position on the matter.

Call for administrative transparency

According to Aiman, the state leadership should not remain silent as the issue has undermined public confidence in the administration’s integrity.

He stressed that public office is a trust bestowed by the people and not a personal privilege.

“Full cooperation with the MACC must be accompanied by a commitment to transparency and a comprehensive review of the projects and related decisions.

“Terengganu PKR will continue to monitor developments in this case and insists that the legal process proceed independently, fairly and without political interference,” he added.

The state government has yet to issue any official statement on the matter.

The Terengganu exco was arrested yesterday morning over suspicion of abusing his position.

The anti-graft agency said the unnamed suspect, who is an elected representative in his 60s, had allegedly abused his power to make two state government-linked companies (GLCs) hire his two children.

“Initial investigation revealed that he had (allegedly) committed the offences between 2018 and 2020,” MACC said in a statement.

Terengganu MACC director Hazrul Shazreen Abd Yazid confirmed the arrest, adding that the investigation is being carried out under Section 23 of the MACC Act.

The provision criminalises abuse of power by an officer of a public body for gratification, and carries a punishment of jail term not exceeding 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the gratification, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

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