AS you know, I was suspended as president and group chief executive officer of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd from December 10, 2020, on inter alia allegations that I was not cooperative enough with the non-executive chairman on his forceful requests to appoint certain contractors and execute certain matters.
On January 22, 2021, those allegations were dropped and I was just accused of being somewhat “impolite” to the non-executive chairman on a particular occasion. That is how I understand it to be. I was then told the board would decide on this matter and revert to me.
At this time, as far as I know, the board has not made any decision to terminate my services. I have also not received a formal notice from the board to that effect. Notwithstanding this, the non-executive chairman proclaimed my departure at a press conference on March 9, 2021.
In my view, the said chairman himself is conflicted from participation in the inquiry and decision as the allegations originate from and concern his relationship with me. No one should be a judge in their own cause. So, with the greatest of respect, it is best he does not play any role in this process. What I am saying is there must be good governance in Prasarana and due process must be done and be seen to be done.
I fear such a press conference by the non-executive chairman may give the impression that he had a role in the decision concerning my tenure. I am also concerned that this may be an attempt to pressure or pre-empt the board. In my view, the inquiry process has not been satisfactory. Whether or not there has been meddling, I do not want to make any accusations here; that is a matter for the courts of law.
I reserve all my rights. – The Vibes, March 12, 2021
By Muhammad Nizam Alias
(Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman is non-executive chairman of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd)
