KUALA LUMPUR – R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) has pleaded to Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor to allow Datuk Seri M. Saravanan (Tapah-BN) to provide an explanation on an alleged scandal surrounding the Employment Recruitment Incentives Programme (PenjanaKerjaya), also known as JanaKerja.
Addressing the Parliament session, Rayer cited Standing Order 18(1) to discuss a matter of urgent public importance and demanded that Saravan explain the matter in his capacity as the human resources minister.
In justifying his request, Rayer said Saravanan should immediately clarify the issue as the allegations also involve MIC, of which the latter is the sole representative of the party in the government.
Rayer also pleaded with Ramli to allow for the matter to be debated by lawmakers.
“Today I stand to plead to the deputy speaker for you to decide whether Tapah (Saravanan) should give an explanation on the scandal surrounding JanaKerja. This is because
MIC is alleged to be involved in the misappropriation of JanaKerja funds,” the Jelutong MP said.
The DAP lawmaker then went on to explain other scandals involving the Indian community including the misappropriation of Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) funds.
“So I plead to you, the deputy speaker, to give a chance to Tapah to explain. I am not making any accusations but I want Tapah to explain because MIC is said to be involved.
“I understand that it involves RM423 million,” said Rayer.
Rayer said he was compelled to make his case after the Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun had allowed Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin to give a ministerial statement in regards to human trafficking and forced labour, yesterday.
In response, Ramli said he understood Rayer’s predicament but asked for the Jelutong MP to make a formal request in writing.
“From my knowledge, the speaker has allowed the explanation from the home ministry yesterday and even given space for the matter to be debated.
“So please do make a written request for clarity. I cannot overrule the speaker.
“I understand your predicament and what you are trying to adduce in the Dewan. I will consider it,” said Ramli.
Last month, a total of 37 individuals were detained to facilitate an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission over false claims and misappropriation of RM100 million in PenjanaKerjaya funds across several states.
Allegations had then risen that several MIC members were involved, however, Saravanan had denied having any knowledge of the matter and stressed the issue was being thoroughly investigated by the authorities. – The Vibes, August 3, 2022
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