Annuar's suspension only temporary as he is under probe - Ismail Sabri

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the suspension is apt since Annuar's position as chairman would influence the investigations.

“The suspension is temporary until the investigation by the Internal Audit Committee is completed.

“I was informed by Mara legal adviser that Mara Council has the power to suspend while an investigation is being completed.

“The appointment or termination of any posts lies within the power of the minister with the approval of the prime minister,” said Ismail in a statement, here, today.

Mara today decided to suspend Annuar as chairman effective immediately after an emergency meeting by council members chaired by Mara director-general Datuk Yusof Yaacob and council member Datuk Abu Azam Md Yassin.

“I respect the decision made by Mara council members to complete the matters involving Mara and its subsidiaries.

“I have requested for the internal probe to be completed as soon as possible to regain the rakyat’s trust towards Mara,” Ismail said.

He also said that the meeting held today followed an application by Mara council members signed by the members and government representatives.

“It was understood that the meeting agenda included the appointment of an internal audit committee to probe into the sponsorship of Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and PMB, along with other issues which had gone viral on social media recently.

“I was informed that the meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning Unit,” he said.

Ismail said that Annuar was not invited as the meeting concerns him.