Global Courant 2023-05-09 14:47:00
KUALA LUMPUR – Five officers from the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources, who were involved in an investigation into bribery and abuse of power, have been stripped of their services to ensure that the ministry can continue to function without hindrance and obstacles.
Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar confirmed the officers’ resignation on Tuesday.
“It was to ensure that this ministry can function in a smooth and proper manner,” Sivakumar told reporters after an occupational health and safety event.
When asked why the five officials were fired before being found guilty, the minister remained tight-lipped and left without answering.
According to an informed source, the five officers have been fired by order of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The Malaysian Prime Minister has been vocal about anti-corruption since taking office in November 2022.
The source confirms that in addition to the terminations, an official has also been transferred to the Public Services Department.
“Five officers were fired, one was transferred because the person is a civil servant, and only one officer is working now,” the source said.
In April, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raided the Ministry of Human Resources in Putrajaya and arrested the minister’s aides in connection with an investigation into allegations of corruption in the recruitment of migrant workers.
In the same month, Mr. Sivakumar’s private sect was summoned to record her statement and then returned by MACC for four days. The minister was also summoned for questioning.
In response, Mr. Sivakumar claimed on April 16 that he is not a suspect in the ongoing investigation by the MACC.
He has been under pressure to take a leave of absence from his administrative duties until the graftbusters complete their investigation into the alleged corruption in the recruitment of foreign workers.
On April 17, Datuk Seri Anwar told reporters that Mr. Sivakumar does not need to go on leave as the case is still at the investigation stage and no charges have been filed against him.
