Former Kedah MB accuses Azizan of lying over FGVH shares

Azizan previously said he was unaware of the share purchase. — File pic

ALOR SETAR, July 20 — Kedah opposition leader Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid today accused Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak of “lying” to save himself following the purchase of Felda Global Ventures Holdings (FGVH) shares by Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK).

Mahdzir said that as the mentri besar and chairman of the state firm, Azizan would know about the purchase of the 500,000 shares.

“I used to be the mentri besar and chairman of PKNK. All cheques above RM1 million issued by PKNK must be signed by several people and one of them was the chairman,” he said.

Mahdzir said in a statement here today that PKNK would have to issue a cheque for RM2.275 million to buy the 500,000 shares priced at RM4.55 per unit.

“A cheque for this amount must be signed by Azizan. I wonder why he lied to the people by saying it escaped his knowledge.”

He said Azizan’s attitude is regrettable as he often took the escape route and refused to be responsible for any issues that did not favour him.

Recently, PKNK bought 500,000 FGVH shares at RM4.55 per unit although Pakatan Rakyat opposed its listing on Bursa Malaysia.

The Kedah state government then directed PKNK to sell off the FGVH shares.

Azizan had said the purchase of the shares escaped his knowledge and that it was common practice as PKNK was given the right to purchase shares deemed profitable. — Bernama