Ex-minister says Sivakumar rehired problematic officer

 

Out of the five Human Resources Ministry officers who were sacked recently amid a corruption probe, one was previously fired by DAP MP M Kulasegaran 15 years ago due to “many wrongdoings”.

Kulasegaran (above, left), in an interview with online portal The Vibes revealed that the officer - a political appointee - worked as his aide in 2008 in his office as Ipoh Barat MP.

The former human resources minister (2018-2020) said current Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar, who is also from DAP, was his political secretary at the time and therefore would be aware of the reasons why the officer was fired.

“So, when I saw him (Sivakumar), I asked him: ‘Why have you taken in an officer who we have removed? The decision-making process was wrong.’

“He took a great risk. I had to relieve that person (the officer) because he was involved in so many wrongdoings, and it was an instantaneous decision in 2008,” Kulasegaran reportedly said.

“I was shocked that the officer was in the government, but now they have been relieved of their duties.

“When Sivakumar appointed the officer, he never consulted me. But the minister has his own prerogative, and I can’t interfere,” he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Kulasegaran also reportedly said it is premature to remove Sivakumar as minister until the MACC confirms any wrongdoing.

“It is very early to take action against him because now the ball is in the MACC’s court.

“They (MACC) will have to come out (with a finding from investigations) because it’s a very pressing matter involving public opinion and sentiment and disturbs the whole rhythm of the ministry,” Kulasegaran said.

Earlier this month, Malaysiakini reported that the five officers had their services terminated with immediate effect while another was transferred to the Public Services Department. All six were appointed by Sivakumar.

At the time, government sources said some of their contracts were terminated because of the MACC probe while others were due to poor performance.

Sivakumar confirmed their terminations and said it was done to ensure the ministry can continue to function well. - Mkini