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PN couldn’t buy over Maszlee Malik: His price could be, “Return the government to PH.”
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Robin Augustin -May 12, 2020 4:38 PM
PETALING JAYA: Former education minister Maszlee Malik did not object to an offer by the Perikatan Nasional government to make him the chairman of a new advisory panel for Mara Corp, the commercial arm of the government’s Bumiputera powerhouse Mara, leaked exchanges on WhatsApp have revealed.
Screenshots and transcripts of WhatsApp exchanges between the Simpang Renggam MP and Rural Development Minister Abdul Latiff Ahmad were shared on Facebook by Malay politics commentator Kamarul Zaman Yusoff, who described Maszlee’s act of rejecting the post as a “U-turn”.
In a group chat with members of the newly set-up advisory committee for Mara Corp on April 27, Latiff introduced Maszlee as its chairman.
“Assalamualaykom and thank you. It’s an honour to be with team,” Maszlee wrote in the transcript shared by Kamarul.
Latiff: Welcome dear Chairman
Latiff: Let u all know each other
Maszlee: Am following
Maszlee: And trying to grasp all the docs given.
At this point, one of the members asked if there could be more details on the number of companies and enterprises assisted by Mara which have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
Maszlee: Agree. Most of the concerns are valid after I’ve gone through again the MCT. Shah’s article should be taken seriously too. The idea of inculcating Islamic instruments to enhance the investment and corporate growth is another interesting one, although the waqf idea might invite some discussions. YBM, any plan to have our own Mara Corp Islamic investment advisory dept akin to the banks?
Maszlee did not respond to FMT when contacted. However, Latiff confirmed that the WhatsApp conversation with Maszlee did take place.
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In separate chats with Latiff, Maszlee explained the reasons for rejecting the post.
“I am sorry Dato Seri, I have to reject the offer when I see the corrupt returning, it goes against our promise that those who are corrupt will not return. I cannot bear to see my name along with those whose corruption I cleaned while in KPM (education ministry),” said Maszlee in one message sighted by FMT.
Latiff however shot back, asking Maszlee if he felt he was “clean” himself, adding that he should have lodged reports if there was evidence of corruption in the education ministry.
“Hello bro, I have all the phone recordings between you and somebody ‘important’ in PPBM, you are supporting TM (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad). This is just an excuse,” he told Maszlee.
He added that Muhyiddin Yassin had not offered posts to those facing corruption charges, and that the prime minister had been more forgiving.
He also reminded Maszlee that Mahathir was the one who had fired him.
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In the chat, Latiff also expressed regret that Maszlee had not informed him of his decision to reject the offer.
“I think I am losing a dear friend,” he said.
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weehingthong 