Rural Development Minister Abdul Latiff Ahmad has denied allegations that ministry officers were trying to install a non-Orang Asli as the head of the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa).
He said the process of appointing a new director-general was underway and that Orang Asli candidates were the ministry's primary choice.
"The Rural Development Ministry denies that there are such efforts (by officers), and wishes to clarify that the ministry is identifying suitable candidates to fill the position of Jakoa director-general which is vacant," he said in a statement today.
Abdul Latiff (above) was responding to allegations made by Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Mohd Nor that "little Napoleons" in the ministry were trying to appoint a non-Orang Asli to lead Jakoa.
The Jakoa director-general's post fell vacant after the former director-general's (Juli Edo) contract expired in April.
Yesterday, Abdul Latiff held a virtual audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to discuss filling the vacancy.
In a series of tweets yesterday, he said that since 1997, Jakoa had been led by an Orang Asli director-general.
"At the same time, I believe Jakoa should be led by a director-general who is experienced and an expert to spur the Orang Asli to become more developed and modern," he added.
In his statement today, the minister said the candidate would not be chosen at random but based on their expertise and experience.
This includes in running a department, fiscal and project development as well as having close ties with the various government departments and also NGOs. - Mkini
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