Documents relating to Azmin's dismissal to be made public

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has ordered the Principal Private Secretary to make public confidential documents relating to the termination of service of Azmin Ali as board member of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).

The Selangor Menteri Besar Press Secretariat in a statement on Wednesday said the confidential documents were decisions made by the State Executive Council (EXCO) and correspondence between the Menteri Besar Office, PKNS and the State Secretary.

The decision to disclose the confidential documents was made using the Menteri Besar's authority provided under Section 2 (C) of the Official Secrets Act, said the statement.

"These documents are disclosed to enable the people to better understand the issue and stop making speculation for fear of compromising ongoing internal investigation by the state government."

Copies of the documents disclosed did not show that the Menteri Besar had signed the letter to terminate Azmin's tenure in PKNS.

The termination of PKR deputy president Azmin from the PKNS board on Jan 8 sparked controversy within the party.

However, Khalid was quick to deny it was his decision and blamed it on PKNS General Manager Othman Omar adding the EXCO only agreed to it.

Khalid's statement was refuted by PKNS Executive Secretary Norita Mohd Sidek who said the power to appoint PKNS board members lies with State EXCO chaired by Khalid and not Othman, in accordance with Clause 4 (1) of the PKNS Establishment Enactment.

Following the issue, Othman and Norita were suspended from duty and seconded to the Secretariat Headquarters until an internal investigation on the issue is completed.

Earlier, about 50 PKR supporters held a protest in front of PKNS Headquarters in Section 13 Wednesday, urging Khalid, who is also PKNS chairman, to restore Othman and Norita to their original posts.