MUAR: Calls for V. Sivakumar to take leave are getting louder, with Johor MCA youth chief Ling Tian Soon (pic) saying this would be the right thing for the Human Resources Minister to do.
Ling said he should take a leave of absence until the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) completes the investigation involving his two aides.
"As a minister and politician who has always spoken about integrity, he should have done the right thing and take leave.
"The investigation involves those who are very close to him and there might be some conflict of interest if he remains as a minister throughout the investigation," he said.
He said this when met after a Johor MCA Youth meeting here in Muar on Monday (April 24).
On April 12, Sivakumar's special functions officer and private secretary were arrested in connection with a case involving the recruitment of foreign workers.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim had earlier made a similar call, saying that this was necessary to show that Pakatan Harapan leaders are serious in the fight against corruption.
On another separate matter, Ling said that he would not be defending his position as Johor MCA youth chief in the party's upcoming state election in August.
"I have decided not to contest in the upcoming state party election as I want to give an opportunity to others to lead the youth wing.
"I hope that the new youth chief can bring fresh and innovative ideas to take the party forward," he said.
Ling was the Johor MCA youth chief for one term starting from 2018.
He said that his deputy Tai Chee How, wing secretary (Chen Woei Jye) and vice chairman (See Ann Giap) have also opted not to contest in the party elections.
