KUALA LUMPUR – Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim is understood to have been given a brief extension to his contract as the search for his replacement continues.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Zarif’s contract had been extended by three months upon its expiry on July 14.
There has been an extension to his contract. He will serve until October, as his successor is being identified,” the source, who requested anonymity, told The Vibes.
When contacted, Zarif confirmed that he is still MRT Corp CEO and continues to carry out his duties as usual, but did not provide further details.
“Yes, I am still holding office,” he said.
When asked to confirm if his extension is only temporary and will last for three months, Zarif said the matter could only be addressed by the firm’s board, and declined to comment.
A spokesman from MRT Corp similarly said any announcement would only be made by the board and that there has not been any official statement to date.
Zarif was appointed CEO on July 15, 2020 after the tenure of his predecessor Abdul Yazid Kassim ended on June 30 the same year.
His position in the company has been a matter of much speculation in recent weeks, with his two-year contract running out a couple of weeks ago and no announcement made pertaining to his tenure to date.
The Vibes had earlier this month reported sources as saying that Zarif could be replaced and that the Finance Ministry, which oversees MRT Corp, was the one sanctioning the move.
An aide to minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz had said the ministry would not be drawn to speculation.
However, it is learnt that MRT Corp board members and some in the corridors of power in Putrajaya are in favour of keeping Zarif to ensure continuity and the smooth implementation of existing rail projects.
Zarif had also previously told The Vibes that he was not aware of the speculations over his future and that any decision will be the sole prerogative of the board.
Whether I receive an extension or not, I’m not the party to announce. Even if I do receive it, I cannot divulge this information. It has to be from the board. But, InsyaAllah, everything will be okay,” he had said.
A source had told The Vibes then that the consideration not to extend Zarif’s stay in the company had taken into account multiple factors, including supposed management issues and his alleged testy relationship with certain quarters in the Finance Ministry.
However, the insider claimed that certain parties are understood to be using the recent blunder involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s exclusive ride on the MRT Putrajaya line on June 15 as a conduit to push Zarif out.
Najib was given a sneak preview of the first phase of the new line a day before its official opening by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. – The Vibes, July 30, 2022
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