PETALING JAYA: The Terengganu executive council member who pleaded not guilty to power abuse charges is not required to resign from his position, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
The Terengganu Mentri Besar said the Terengganu state exco in question is not required to resign as his capacity as a state exco does not affect the prosecution and trial process.
“I have taken note of the issue of a member of the State Executive Council who is currently at the prosecution and trial stage.
“The state government is committed to maintaining integrity and fully respecting the ongoing legal process.
“A person cannot be presumed guilty until proven guilty in court,” he said in a statement issued on Facebook today.
Ahmad Samsuri also requested that all parties avoid speculating or make any preliminary assessments that may affect the process of justice.
“I call on all parties to remain calm and provide space to the legal system to carry out its duties professionally.
“May we all continue to be guided in carrying out this trust,” he added.
On Feb 22, The Terengganu Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested a member of the state exco on suspicion of abusing his position by arranging employment for his two children at a state-linked company.
On Tuesday (Feb 24), Terengganu infrastructure, utilities and rural development committee chairman Datuk Hanafiah Mat pleaded not guilty at the Kuala Terengganu Sessions Court to two charges of using his position to gain benefits for his family in 2018 and 2020.
