A press conference today by the Malaysia United Democratic Alliance (Muda) party regarding the controversy surrounding Prasarana chairperson Tajuddin Abdul Rahman took a surprise turn when his son, Faizal Tajuddin, turned up.
Not only was he present at the press conference but Faizal also took it upon himself to address some of the issues raised by Muda.
The media conference was held outside the Dang Wangi LRT station, right in front of the commercial building construction site owned by a company linked to Tajuddin's family.
Muda questioned certain matters that the party felt was not answered well during Tajuddin's press conference yesterday.
Among the main issues raised by Muda through its co-founder Amir Abdul Hadi was the conflict of interest over Tajuddin's presence at a meeting to discuss the cancellation of a project which was said to involve some RM80 million in compensation to a company linked to his family.
Muda said it had been approached by "several individuals" who provided documents, including minutes of the meeting in question.
The party said it is sharing the documents with the public through a website it set up called "Skandal Tajuddin".
Taking the microphone at the press conference, Faizal questioned why Muda did not lodge a police report if the party was convinced that there was an abuse of power over the issue.
"The (website's) name itself, 'Tajuddin's Scandal' is malicious," he claimed.
He also disputed Muda's claim that the project involved government funds, saying that all payments were fully borne by the company.
Yesterday, the Pasir Salak MP told a press conference that the development project linked to his family was granted before he was appointed Prasarana chairperson or was in government.
Tajuddin said the Latitud 8 project in Dang Wangi, Kuala Lumpur, was awarded to a firm linked to his family in 2012 through an open tender.
"If it was awarded now while I am the chairperson, then it is wrong and an abuse of power. But at the time, I was the Felcra chairperson," the Umno politician said, adding that he transferred all his business interests to his family members after becoming a deputy minister in 2013.
"I told (then prime minister) Najib Abdul Razak, I have these businesses, what can I do? I can't possibly throw them into the drain.
"I asked if he could transfer the shares to my daughter and family," Tajuddin said.
The project was granted by Prasarana to Intan Sekitar Sdn Bhd, which is 51 percent owned by public-listed Crest Builder Holdings Bhd and 49 percent owned by Detik Utuh Sdn Bhd.
Tajuddin's family has a 40 percent stake in Detik Utuh through Tindakan Juara Sdn Bhd, giving them an effective holding of 19.6 percent in the project.
The company came into the spotlight following reports that the Prasarana board is considering terminating the project and paying RM80 million in compensation to Intan Sekitar.
Tajuddin broke his silence on the controversy yesterday and hinted that a Prasarana top officer, who has since been temporarily relieved of his duties, could be behind the "attacks" against him.
He said he had so far chosen to remain silent amidst reported speculation on the status of Prasarana president and group chief executive Muhammad Nizam Alias, but there was now a need to clarify certain matters.
Tajuddin confirmed that the Prasarana board had on Nov 27 last year decided to ask Nizam to go on leave over allegations of misconduct and insubordination.
He also said the board had instructed Prasarana's head of human capital to issue Nizam a show-cause letter and the latter had responded with his explanation which was then presented to the board.
Meanwhile, MACC officials were at Prasarana's office yesterday morning as part of a probe into allegations that Tajuddin had been exerting his authority unlawfully by seeking significant changes at the rail and bus transport operator.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the matter, saying they have begun an investigation into the company.
"Yes, I can confirm that MACC has begun an investigation into the issue.
"My officers went to Prasarana to take files and will call in relevant witnesses," he said. - Mkini
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