KUALA LUMPUR – There is a twist in the impending Prasarana Malaysia Bhd leadership appointment, as designated chairman Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed has quit the company.
It is understood that Abu Kassim, who is currently a board member of the embattled urban public transport operator, has tendered his resignation effective tomorrow.
The former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief and his former deputy, Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali, were appointed to the Prasarana board on February 15.
Abu Kassim and Mustafar, who is National Anti-Financial Crime Centre CEO, were brought on board to lend their expertise to enhance governance in Prasarana, following a series of controversies involving then non-executive chairman Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.
Tajuddin, who is Pasir Salak MP, is mired in accusations of interference and conflicts of interest as his family members were involved in projects under Prasarana’s purview, including the Dang Wangi light rail transit (LRT) station project.
Things came to a head when Prasarana CEO Muhammad Nizam Alias was terminated in February.
Tajuddin is now subject to a pending charge of abuse of power, with investigation papers still on the attorney-general’s desk – one month after he was supposed to have been charged.
He was sacked on May 26 by the Finance Ministry following his disastrous press conference to address an accident along the LRT Kelana Jaya line that injured 213 people.
The Vibes was made to understand that Abu Kassim was originally meant to replace Tajuddin in March. However, the Umno strongman managed to cling to the position.
The latest development means that the government must continue on its quest to find a non-executive chairman. However, it appears that there are no takers at the moment as it is seen as a hot seat.
Several other individuals, including corporate personalities, have been approached to take over the position.
Abu Kassim has chosen to remain silent on this development.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines Bhd chief transformation officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah is tipped to take over as CEO on July 1. – The Vibes, June 29, 2021
