Minister should be removed, not sec-gen, says opposition leader

Ravin Palanisamy Ravin Palanisamy Updated 4 years ago · Published on 26 Nov 2019 5:29PM · 8 Comments

Opposition leader Ismail Sabri Yaakob has criticised the transfer of agriculture secretary-general after the controversy surrounding a contract awarded to the National Farmers’ Association. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, November 26, 2019.

AGRICULTURE and Agro-based Industries minister Salahuddin Ayub should have taken the rap instead of his secretary-general after the fiasco involving the National Farmers’ Association (Nafas), said opposition leader Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Ismail Sabri, who is also Bera MP, said the minister should own up to the mistake and not point fingers at others.

“Everything that happens in the ministry, the minister should take full responsibility because he is its head. Not accuse the secretary-general.”

On Friday, secretary-general Mohd Sallehhuddin Hassan was transferred to the Public Service Department (PSD).

Yesterday, The Malaysian Insight reported on Sallehhuddin’s transfer was after his alleged involvement in a RM1.4 billion tender exercise.

A government source said the move happened a day after MCA president Wee Ka Siong highlighted in Parliament the ministry’s award of a direct contract worth RM1.4 billion to Nafas.

Ismail Sabri said the reason given by the minister that Salahuddin did not know about the open tender made by the secretary-general is unacceptable and that the chief secretary to the government and PSD director-general should reconsider their decision.

“It is impossible for the minister not to know about the open tender made by the secretary-general.

“Unless the officer didn’t do the work or the minister didn’t do his work because he doesn’t know what is happening in his own ministry.

“In this case, the minister should be replaced.

“We (opposition) hope that the chief secretary and PSD director-general take the proper action and not to bow to pressure. If possible, reverse the decision.”

Ismail Sabri said such an action shows that the ministry is just finding a scapegoat to shift the blame to save the minister.

“When they make a mistake, they look for a scapegoat. This time, a government servant is sacrificed.” – November 26, 2019.

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Comments

  • That is BN way of doing things, award a project out to a single entity and for all you know the awarded company doesn't has any clue of what to do as they in return out source of a third party, you asshole like it that way right??

    Posted 4 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply

  • Turtle egg from Berak should be charged in court for the Mara Digital Malls nonsense!

    Posted 4 years ago by Chee yee ng · Reply

  • Semua buat sama bila pegang jawatan

    Posted 4 years ago by Ty Tiko · Reply

  • Bera is ten times worse, in wasting public fund.Mara digital mall is a complete failure and yet insist to have more. He never stepped down with all the failures and wrong if public fund. He is definitely not qualified to call the current minister to step down. Another hypocrite. At least some wrong doings are reported in Nafas, hopefully some rectifying measures will be taken to correct the mistakes or bring those criminals to justice. Stop wasting public fund.

    Posted 4 years ago by James Wong · Reply

    • Problem is the reporter just let this fella rant away. A good reporter would pose these facts and question to him. Reporters should pose questions not just let these hypocrites rant away.

      Posted 4 years ago by Mo Salleh · Reply

  • 1. Does the sec-gen have the authority to approve the RM1.4 billion contract to Nafas?
    2. Would the award of contract require the endorsement or approval of the minister?
    3. Would there be documentation and records to show such a transaction took place and reported to the minister in weekly/fortnightly basis?
    4. Is there lack of transparency in the conduct by the minister?
    These are the questions that should be raised with the minister and regulatory authorities

    Posted 4 years ago by Kampung Boy · Reply

  • who SIGNED at the final stage?...that person should be punished.

    Posted 4 years ago by Lipdah Lia · Reply

  • Said the useless nutjob who is 100 times worse.

    Posted 4 years ago by Mokhzani Mohamad · Reply