Assemblymen know about establishment of DEIG, no reason for any doubt - Azmin Ali

Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali again reiterated that the existence of the Darul Ehsan Investment Group (DEIG) was known to all State Assemblymen early since its establishment.

He said there should not be any doubt from any Assemblyman about the existence of the entity because information on the DEIG had been tabled during the State Assembly sitting in August.

Mohamed Azmin said according to the procedures of the Selangor State Assembly, any motion tabled need not be explained again by the state government until the next sitting.

"I gave notice (on the establishment of DEIG) immediately because I did not want to wait until the next sitting of the State Assembly...The matter (DEIG) has not been implemented.

"When we launched (the DEIG) several months ago, all Assemblymen were invited and in fact were always given the opportunity to voice their opinion to make it into a transparent entity. So, why raise various questions?" he told reporters, here Tuesday.

He disclosed this when asked to comment on the doubts and questions by various quarters on the status of DEIG which is alleged to have started operations whereas it was said that it would only start operations next year.

Mohamed Azmin explained that issues on the DEIG were always discussed at the State Exco meeting and the focus now was on strengthening governance of the entity.

The DEIG was set up last December under the Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) to manage the investment sector, assets and subsidiaries of the state government.

In another development, Selangor Barisan Nasional Assemblymen want the authorities including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the DEIG.

The secretary of the Selangor BN Assemblymen, Budiman Mohd Zohdi said if it was proven that there was a breach of any code of ethics, regulations or enactment involving the DEIG, legal action should be taken against Mohamed Azmin.

"We, the Selangor BN Assemblymen urge the relevant parties such as the Selangor Public Accounts Committee, MACC, National Audit Department and the Attorney-General's Chambers to initiate investigations immediately (on the DEIG).

"This is because the people are still confused and doubtful as there had been no reasonable reply given by Mohamed Azmin on DEIG," he said at a press conference at the Selangor Umno Building, on Tuesday.