Ex-1MDB CEO removed from govt conference after backlash

 

A poster of an electric vehicle (EV) conference set the internet abuzz as it featured former 1MDB CEO Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi as one of the event’s moderators.

However, Malaysiakini learned that Shahrol has been removed from that role.

Malaysiakini was made to understand that Shahrol (above), who is president and co-founder of the Malaysian EV Owners Club, has been replaced with Malaysia Productivity Corporation deputy director-general Mazrina Mohamed Ibramsah.

In a poster sighted by Malaysiakini, the “Gearing Up for EV Revolution” conference will be officiated by International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was also featured on the poster as an invited guest.

In a response to Malaysiakini, Nik Nazmi said he informed the organisers that he will only attend the event if Shahrol’s invitation is retracted.

“I am only a guest. After learning about Shahrol’s attendance, I conveyed that my attendance is on the condition Shahrol’s invitation is rescinded.

“When the poster was forwarded (to me), I immediately informed them,” he said.

Zafrul and Shahrol have been contacted for a response.

Previously, the poster made the rounds on social media, drawing backlash from netizens, with some lambasting the organiser - the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) - for inviting an individual who was allegedly responsible for weaknesses in the state-owned fund.

Other Twitter users also took jabs at Mida, asking if the government agency has a code of conduct or ethics, while others took Mida to task for supporting those who were involved in the 1MDB scandal.

In May 2021, it was reported that 1MDB and its former subsidiary SRC International filed civil suits amounting to US$23 billion (RM94.4 billion) against various parties who have been accused of defrauding the state-owned firms.

The individuals included former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, former 1MDB CEOs Shahrol and Arul Kanda Kandasamy, as well as family members of fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho.

However, in July 2021, SRC International withdrew its civil action against Shahrol. - Mkini