Action taken against Penang govt officer for stating false info

The Penang government has taken action on one of its officers, who is attached to the state exco's welfare, caring society and environment office for alleged misrepresentation of his personal information, said state executive officer Phee Boon Poh.

Phee said investigations have been carried out on the allegations, which is related to the application for BR1M, the federal financial hand out for citizens, and action has been duly taken.

He was referring to a complaint received by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on April 25, involving the alleged misrepresentation by the government officer.

"Lim had ordered a probe into the matter," said the state exco for welfare, caring society and environment.

"The investigation confirmed the allegation and the officer apologised and admitted that he has applied for BR1M and declared himself to be unemployed," Phee said in a statement.

Phee said on May 17, the officer was cautioned and instructed to rectify the misleading declaration immediately, failing which his contract with the state government will be terminated.

"The misleading declaration by this contract officer is strictly his personal matter and nothing to do with Penang government or administration," Phee said.

Phee also revealed that the officer is attached to the Penang voluntary corps (PPS), which was suspended in late 2014 and the case over its legality to carry out activities in Penang is still pending in court.

In that year, more than 150 PPS members including the officer were arrested for participating in a Merdeka celebrations parade at the Esplanade, Penang.

Another outfit which was newly formed under the Village and Security Development Committee (JKKK) to replace the PPS which still remains non-operative due to the advice given by the police as the case is pending in court.

"The said officer is now in the Pejabat Masyarakat Penyayang (Caring Society) assisting the programme," Phee said.

Phee said the officer has applied to be a DAP party member under a new branch and the application is still pending. - Mkini