PKR MP urges Sivakumar to go on leave

Senior Pakatan Harapan lawmaker Hassan Abdul Karim has urged Human Resource Minister V Sivakumar to go on leave pending an MACC probe.

In a statement today, Hassan said he made this call as a member of the Special Committee on Corruption which monitors the MACC.

“I am of the opinion that Sivakumar, as a supporter of Harapan’s agenda to eradicate corruption, should lead by example by taking leave until the MACC completes investigations on his ministry.

“The minister surely understood the principle of collective responsibility and ministerial responsibility as a member of the cabinet.

“He should not wait for the prime minister to instruct him to take leave or resign,” said Hassan (above), who is the MP for Pasir Gudang.

The special committee is a creature of Parliament under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. There are five committee members - all lawmakers - appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Hassan said although Sivakumar was not a suspect nor the accused, the fact that his office and home were visited by the MACC gave a bad impression on the cabinet.

“I believe Sivakumar is magnanimous and has a clear conscience. As a seasoned political leader, Sivakumar should make the right choice.

“I’m not asking for him to resign. However, it is appropriate at this moment to go on leave,” said Hassan.

Aides detained

Earlier this month, MACC detained several of Sivakumar’s aides over allegations of improprieties involving approvals granted for the import of labourers.

At this point, MACC has not suggested that Sivakumar was a suspect.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said there was no need for Sivakumar to go on leave because the latter has not been charged in court. - Mkini