Shahul has credentials, unfairly linked to Zakir - Saravanan tells Ramasamy

Human Resources Minister M Saravanan has contacted Penang Deputy Chief Minister P Ramasamy to relate his side of the story over the appointment of Shahul Hameed Dawood as the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) CEO.

The DAP leader said Saravanan (above) kept his promise by calling him personally on April 16 to explain the matter. 

Ramasamy said Saravanan felt that he was obliged to explain the appointment because he respected his (Ramasamy's) views on many matters including his struggle for the betterment of Malaysians.

"In other words, he kept his promise to call me," he added.

"He (Saravanan) felt that aside from Shahul having the necessary credentials, he has been unfairly linked to Dr Zakir Naik," Ramasamy told Malaysiakini.

"He explained that Shahul was merely an event organiser for Zakir in 2016, nothing more.

"His photograph with Zakir was taken in a function held by former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zaidi Hamidi around this time."

Saravanan's move came after Ramasamy said on April 15 that the minister might have "gone overboard" in appointing Shahul (photo) to the post. 

"It is not that the new government of Perikatan Nasional (PN) cannot make new appointments, even if those affected might not have their terms expired," Ramasamy had said.

He thanked Saravanan for taking the initiative to call him to explain his decision.

However, Ramasamy said the matter of Shahul's appointment has raised some concerns in the community.

The DAP leader added that since it was Saravanan's decision, he must be prepared for any fallout arising from this appointment.

Earlier, Saravanan had defended Shahul's appointment on grounds that he was the grandson of SOK Ubaidullah Kadir Basha.

Ubaidullah was one of the founders of the MIC in 1946, vice-president of the party and subsequently its permanent chairperson.

Meanwhile, Shahul also called Ramasamy to explain that although he was the event manager for Zakir (photo) in 2016, he was never an ardent supporter of the preacher.

"Shahul said he does not subscribe to Zakir's 'extremist views' on non-Muslims.

"Anyway, I thanked Shahul for taking the trouble to call me and what more sending his curriculum vitae to establish his credentials," Ramasamy said. - Mkini