Selangor government urged to explain DEIG to the people

The Selangor state government has been urged to be transparent and explain to the people the setting up of Darul Ehsan Investment Group (DEIG), which has sparked controversies over its establishment in the state.

UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the move was required as the people wanted the truth as in the case of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

"The principle here is the people want the truth and justice as in the case of 1MDB.

"Today is the turn of DEIG. If there are issues and need clarification, they should explain as it involves corporate issues and the people want a good corporate body," he told reporters after opening the Shah Alam UMNO division meeting here today.

Earlier, Hishammuddin in his speech, spoke on DEIG and told the relevant authorities to investigate the new entity set up purportedly to restructure all investment subsidiaries under Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI).

In this regard, Hishammuddin, who is also Defence Minister, told the media to provide fair coverage in seeking the truth behind the establishment of DEIG.

"We also want similar media coverage. We want answers on DEIG as demanded in the 1MDB issue. How they want to answer is up to the owner of the body, but they must be answered," he said.

On Tuesday, several Selangor state assemblymen including former menteri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim expressed their concerns on the setting up of DEIG to take over the role of MBI in managing investment subsidiaries under the incorporated body.

However, Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali explained that DEIG which is fully owned by MBI was set up in December last year to give more focus on the investment sector, assets and businesses.

Apart from that, Mohamed Azmin said the establishment of DEIG could reduce the business impact and risks directly on the state government.