Tourism Malaysia Director-General Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, who just a day ago was charged with corruption, has been dealt a fresh blow.

mirza mohammad taiyab beg mirza hadi hassan beg

The 50-year old Mirza has been suspended from work with immediate effect. Deputy secretary general of the Tourism Ministry Abdul Ghaffar Abdullah Thambi made the announcement at a press conference today.

However, as his court hearing is only due in six months, this means Mirza’s fate after he has served his two month suspension is anyone's guess.

Clarifying this, Tourism Minister Azalina Othman said: "We will set up a disciplinary committee tomorrow to decide on what to do next with Mirza."

Ghaffar added that Mirza’s suspension may be extended if necessary. During the next two months, his salary would be cut by half.

Mirza was charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code for allegedly receiving a bribe in the form of dental treatment worth RM13,860. The treatment was paid for by Zulhisyam Ayob, director of advertising firm Perunding Pakar Media Sdn Bhd and took place between Jan 17, 2005 and July 26, 2005.

During that time, his brother Mirza Mohd Tariq was the managing partner of Perunding Pakar.

Mirza, who claims he was framed, has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled to take place from Feb 16 to 18 next year.

AG to release report on Pempena tomorrow

Besides Mirza's suspension, Azalina was also today quizzed about Pempena, a Tourism Malaysia subsidiary which was recently implicated in a graft scandal involving high ranking officers.

She, however, evaded answering questions, instead directing them to Pempena CEO Razali Mohd Daud, who was also present at the press conference.

"The Audtior-General will issue its report tomorrow. As for the independent auditor that Pempena and Tourism Malaysia appointed to probe the matter, they are expected to reveal their findings soon," said Razali.