PETALING JAYA: Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman has lambasted an on-line news report about his son-in-law being under the ministry’s payroll.
Saying that he was not answerable to the portal, Tajuddin said:
“Who are they? I do not have to report to them. What do they know of the sacrifices I have made for the people and the party over the last 40 years? Do they even know that I was among those arrested under ISA (Internal Security Act) during Ops Lalang in 1987?."
Tajuddin was commenting on claims that his son-in-law, Firdaus Mufazal Faiz, was working for the ministry.
Tajudddin claimed that the portal had no credibility to question him, as they were more interested in pushing politically- motivated agenda rather than issues affecting the rakyat.
“I know they are expecting a direct denial or admission. I am not going to give them that pleasure because I do not want to be drawn into such petty political games,” he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who had also come under scrutiny for allegedly employing his daughter, Nur Shahfiza, chose to remain silent on the matter.
“No statement please," he said.
More cases of politicians employing their relatives had emerged after Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz drew flak for allegedly employing his son Muhammad Nedim.
Nazri had since clarified that his son was not on the government’s payroll but was working for him in his Padang Rengas parliamentary constituency.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had said that relatives could offer their services as volunteers, but they could not draw a salary or be paid allowances from the government.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had also sought for explanation from two of his executive councillors for employing their relatives in office.
Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim had admitted that his sister had been working in his office since 2008. However, he claimed that his sister had resigned earlier this month.
State Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Chong Eng also came under fire for employing her son.
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