Khalid orders full probe into Yayasan Selangor, PKNS

SHAH ALAM - Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had ordered a full probe into the big price tag for a luncheon organised by state education welfare body Yayasan Selangor recently.

It was earlier reported that the RM300,000 luncheon, being held in conjunction with the educational foundation's 40th anniversary celebration, was snubbed by a disappointed Sultan of Selangor.

Khalid said to ensure a fair probe, he had ordered the foundation's deputy managing director Mohd Sharifuldin to take a month's paid vacation.

“We will not hesitate to take courageous decision to bring any individual who proved to have abused their powers to face justice,” he added.

He said he appreciated the feedback received over such wastages as it would ensure money was spent for the benefit of the people.

“Selangor state government takes into consideration every view to ensure that the administration of the state, government agencies and state linked companies is managed well, and every money is spent for the benefit of the people,” said Khalid.

Wedding sponsorship

On reports that state development company, Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), had sponsored RM520,000 towards the wedding dinner of astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor recently, Khalid said an independent audit had been appointed to investigate the allegations.

The state government also ordered a freeze on all activities involving PKNS’s public affairs department pending a full audit.

Last week, Hulu Klang assemblyman Saari Sungib revealed several irregularities within PKNS, saying its management had appointed individuals close to them to lead PKNS subsidiaries.

“The perception among PKNS staff has become more negative towards the PKNS leadership when all contract officers were placed under one subsidiary, PKNS Holdings, drawing high salaries," said Saari, demanding an explanation from the state government.

Meanwhile, UMNO Selangor's deputy chief Noh Omar said the controversy involving Yayasan Selangor was proof that Khalid did not know how to manage the state education welfare.

But Khalid's political secretary quickly came to his defence.

“UMNO is not qualified to comment about the state treasury management, responsibility and wastages in Selangor. Selangor government under Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has taken over Yayasan from the previous government which was not audited since 2005,” said Faekah Husin, adding that the present state government had to "clean up UMNO’s mess".

- Harakahdaily