Business as usual for Negeri Sembilan secretary

 Zafir Ibrahim says he has yet to receive an official letter concerning his purported suspension by the former state exco.

Negeri Sembilan state secretary Zafir Ibrahim said he was advised by Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar and other legal advisers that his suspension is invalid.

PETALING JAYA:

Zafir Ibrahim continued carrying out his job as Negeri Sembilan secretary today despite menteri besar Ismail Lasim’s claim that he had been suspended from duty.

Zafir said Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar had instructed him to continue carrying out his duties as usual, Sinar Harian reported.

He said he was also advised by Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar and other legal advisers that the suspension was invalid.

“I have also yet to receive an official letter concerning my suspension,” he said.

Yesterday, Ismail said Zafir and Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal had been suspended from their duties as state secretary and legal adviser, respectively.

The menteri besar said this was decided by the state executive council during a special meeting, with state financial officer Masli Razali and lawyer Fahmi Adilah to take over the roles in the interim.

He said the notice on the suspension of the state secretary and legal adviser would be submitted to the chief secretary to the government, the public services department, and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

However, the suspension is being disputed as Ismail’s executive council was sacked by the Yang Dipertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, on Sunday, while the AGC said the exco and menteri besar did not have the authority to suspend the officials.

The AGC also said appointments and suspensions involving the state secretary and legal adviser were under the purview of the public services commission, and the judicial and legal service commission, respectively. - FMT