Khalid's aides directed to return RM2.6mil in severance payments

PETALING JAYA: Eight aides of former Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim have been ordered to return the total of RM2.6mil in severance payment they received last November.

They have 14 days from the receipt of written notice to return the money to Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI), the state news organ, SelangorKini, reported.

Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali (pic) said the decision was taken following an investigation, which found several violations in terms of procedures and financial regulations when the payment was made to the eight upon Khalid’s exit.

“After obtaining legal advice, the new MBI management has decided to send a letter to all eight of them to remind them to return the money they received,” he said after the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebrations on Saturday.

Azmin said action would be taken against the individuals who failed to comply with the notice, but said they would be given time to study the letter.

“They have to return the money to MBI, which will then review the amount they should be paid in severance according to the current allocation,” he said.

It was earlier reported that Khalid had paid RM2.27mil compensation and RM376,000 in lieu of three months notice eight members of staff.

The highest amount was allegedly paid to former MBI chief executive office Faekah Husin.

Azmin had previously highlighted irregularities in the payout and said he would be consulting MBI on the next course of action.

However, Khalid denied any wrongdoing and said the payments were made under a voluntary separation scheme offered to the eight, insisting that the amount was less than two percent of MBI’s cash reserves.

The 11-page audit report detected inaccuracies in the payment procedure and said it violated the eight individuals’ terms of employment.

Its findings were presented during the state assembly sitting in December.

In an immediate response, Faekah said that she had yet to receive a letter from MBI.

“I think you should ask the MB (Azmin) himself, as for me, I have yet to receive the letter,” she said when contacted by The Star Online.