PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari questioned why a politician who pleaded guilty to charges linked to graft is still on the board of the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) - a GLC under the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry.
While he did not name any names, Fadhli (above) was speaking about Shah Alam Umno chief Azhari Shaari, who appears to have been recently appointed as HDC chairperson.
It is not clear when Azhari assumed the position. Previously, HDC was chaired by former Umno Youth deputy chief Khairul Azwan Harun, whose two-year contract ended in May.
In 2023, Azhari was slapped with three charges under Section 403 of the Penal Code for dishonestly misappropriating RM440,000 meant for orphans and an Aidiladha korban (animal sacrifice) programme.
He also faced three charges under Section 471 of the Penal Code for knowingly using fake annual general meeting minutes as genuine documents.
He initially pleaded not guilty when he was charged in February.
However, according to the MACC’s 2023 annual report - which Fadhli shared a link to - Azhari later pled guilty to one of the forgery charges.
This then led to the five other charges being “taken into consideration” as per Section 171A of the Criminal Procedure Code, which allows the prosecution to withdraw the remaining charges.
Azhari was fined RM1,900 for the forgery charge he pleaded guilty to, while RM220,000 was forfeited to the government.
Unserious about combating graft
Commenting on Azhari’s position in HDC, Fadhli said this showed the Madani government was not serious about combating graft.
“My question is, why has the government appointed an HDC board director even though he has clearly admitted guilt to at least one corrupt charge?
“That is why, if anyone says this government is serious about combating graft, wake them up. Because they are surely dreaming!” he said.
Malaysiakini is attempting to get a response from Azhari and the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.