Treasury sec-gen Irwan transferred out of MoF (updated)

PETALING JAYA: Treasury Secretary-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah has been transferred out of his position and told he will no longer be allowed to carry out his duties under the Finance Ministry.

In a statement, the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said that starting Monday (May 14) until June 13, Dr Mohd Irwan will be placed under the Public Service Department and not permitted to carry out his duties as Treasury Secretary-General or anything related to the Finance Ministry.

Dr Ali also said that Dr Mohd Irwan's contract has been shortened with immediate effect, despite his initial contract extending till March 6, 2019.

“The Government has decided to shorten the contract of employees with effect from 14 June, 2018,” he said.

More recently, he was embroiled in a recent controversy surrounding the Malaysian startup ecosystem, where he is seen as a patron as chairman of the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC).

According to screenshots of WhatsApp messages that have gone viral on social media, he had cut off funding for the 1Malaysia Entrepreneurs (1MET) programme after its chief organiser Nadira Yusoff expressed her admiration for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in a Facebook post before polling day on May 9.

The WhatsApp screenshots show Dr Mohd Irwan apparently punishing Nadira, also the CEO of Nadi-Ayu Technologies Sdn Bhd and managing director of Girls In Tech, for voicing her admiration for Dr Mahathir and his wife in a now deleted Facebook post.

In the WhatsApp messages, from a group called “M’sian Startup Ecosystem”, Nadira was called out for supporting Dr Mahathir when she is an individual who had received benefits from the Government.

“You are taking my one post, about my admiration, on his fighting spirit, to punish me? That is very unfair Tan Sri,” Nadira wrote in reply.

The reply from the name “Tan Sri Irwan Serigar” in the group was, “No point discussing anymore. Decision already being made”.

“I’m very disappointed. Don’t ever come to me for help. All those who thinks she is right, better resign from Govt,” this person wrote.

Despite apologies from Nadira, “Tan Sri Irwan Serigar” said that he will not accept her apology.

“Action will be taken against you immediately,” he said.

Nadira has declined to speak to the press, but in a Facebook post on Sunday (May 13), she thanked the public for their kind words and support following the drama.

“I am humbled by your care and concern, and mostly, for recognising my little contribution towards women and entrepreneurship,” she said.

 This story has been corrected to clarify which programme got its funding cut.