PRESSURE seems to be piling on Human Resources (HR) Minister V, Sivakumar to go on leave, thus allowing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to complete its investigations into allegations of corruption in his ministry.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) member of the Special (Parliamentary) Committee on Corruption (JKMR), Hassan Abdul Karim (main pic, white shirt), said all government officials must lead by example in their commitment to eradicate corruption in Malaysia.
“Therefore, I suggest that the Honourable HR Minister V. Sivakumar take a temporary leave of absence from his ministerial duties until the MACC completes its investigation into allegations of corruption in his ministry,” the Pasir Gudang MP pointed out in a media statement posted on his Facebook page.
As a member of the Cabinet, Hassan who is also a lawyer by training said the DAP’s Batu Gajah MP would be in a better position to understand the principles of collective responsibility and ministerial responsibility.
“He should not wait for PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to instruct ministers accused of corruption to take a leave of absence or resign,” suggested the PKR MP. “Every minister has an individual responsibility to maintain the good name of the government and to demonstrate a commitment to stamp out corruption.”
Latest news reports indicated that an aide to Sivakumar has been suspended with pay while two others have returned to work after their arrests by the graft buster in an investigation into the recruitment of foreign workers.
While admitting that the minister is not a suspect in the ongoing investigations, Hassan said the very fact that Sivakumar has been called for questioning twice by the MACC with his house and office being searched does not look good on the government.
“I have confidence in Minister Sivakumar’s integrity, and I believe that he has a clear conscience and a noble spirit,” argued Hassan. “(But) as an experienced parliamentarian and political leader, he should take appropriate action to uphold the integrity of his office and to demonstrate his commitment to combating corruption.”
In this regard, Hassan said Sivakumar should take a leave of absence which would not only demonstrate his commitment in the eradication of corruption but also help to restore the public’s trust in the government’s efforts to combat this pervasive problem in Malaysian society.
“I am not urging or calling for him to resign now. But at least, it would be a good idea at this time for him to take leave from his duties as a minister,” added Hassan. – April 23, 2023
