FGV denies trying to hold back Zakaria returning as CEO

Felde Global Ventures claims delay in domestic inquiry on suspended FGV president and CEO Zakaria Arshad followed the latter's submission of an MC.

PETALING JAYA: Felda Global Ventures (FGV) has denied wanting to delay the return of its suspended president and chief executive officer Zakaria Arshad by extending the ongoing domestic inquiry.

Referring to a report in The Edge earlier this week, which had quoted sources on the alleged delay, FGV released a statement yesterday saying the extension was to ensure “proper due process”.

“We wish to clarify that the conclusion of the domestic inquory was delayed from last week due to Zakaria submitting a two-day medical certificate (MC) to the independent domestic inquiry panel in the late afternoon of Aug 29, 2017.

“In the interest of ensuring proper due process, the independent domestic inquiry panel took into account Zakaria’s MC and adjourned the proceedings until he was able to continue to present his defence on Tuesday after the long Merdeka and Hari Raya Aidiladha public holidays,” FGV said in its statement.

On June 6, the FGV board of directors instructed four senior executives, including Zakaria and FGV chief financial officer Ahmad Tifli Mohd Talha, to go on leave effective immediately.

Besides Zakaria and Ahmad Tifli, Delima Oil Products’ senior general manager Kamarzaman Abd Karim, and FGV trading CEO Ahmad Salman Omar were also asked to take a leave of absence.

The move was made to facilitate an internal investigation into an issue involving a delayed payment from a Dubai-based Afghan company, Safitex Trading, to FGV subsidiary, Delima Oil Products.

On June 13, FGV issued a show-cause letter to Zakaria, which was duly replied on June 29.

On July 22, FGV released a statement that it had no personal agenda against Zakaria and the others.

Zakaria was appointed as FGV president and CEO on April 1 last year.

Following his enforced leave, Zakaria claimed there was graft and abuse of power in FGV, prompting an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, which is still ongoing.

Meanwhile, FGV also said in its statement that Zakaria’s predecessor, Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah, was not involved in approving or implementing Safitex payment process, contrary to Zakaria’s claim.

“In fact, none of the Safitex Trading LLC related approvals and transactions had Datuk Mohd Emir’s signature or made any reference to him,” FGV said. - FMT