JOHOR BARU – The termination of five officers linked to Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar was done under orders of the ministry’s freshly appointed chief secretary, a source familiar with the matter revealed.
It is understood that the move comes after Human Resources Ministry Chief Secretary Datuk Seri Zaini Ujang was given the mandate to clean up the ministry and its related agencies.
This also comes after the arrest of an aide to Sivakumar over allegations surrounding the recruitment of migrant workers.
The source said the chief secretary is also reviewing the contracts of several senior officers in the ministry and its agencies, with termination in mind.
Earlier today, it was reported that five officers attached to the minister had their services terminated with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, another officer from the ministry was reported to have been transferred to the Public Services Department.
Citing sources, Malaysiakini reported two of the officers were recently detained by the MACC and all six officers were appointed by the current minister.
Last month, Sivakumar’s senior officer was arrested by the MACC over allegations of corruption related to the recruitment of foreign workers.
Later, the MACC proceeded to detain the minister’s private secretary while Sivakumar was also summoned for questioning. – The Vibes, May 4, 2023