PETALING JAYA: Several official reports have been lodged with the relevant authorities over alleged interference in an ongoing governance review at Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), says the Human Resources Ministry.
The Star also learnt from internal sources that TalentCorp has lodged police reports against several individuals appointed to its management by a former group chief executive officer during Datuk Seri M. Saravanan's tenure as human resources minister between 2020 and 2022.
The ministry said it viewed seriously allegations of various attempts by parties with vested interests to interfere in the review at TalentCorp, one of its agencies.
“The interference allegedly involved spreading misleading information and trying to influence individuals within the agency.
“Attempts were also allegedly made to divert attention from the matters being scrutinised,” it said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 22).
It also added that such interference could undermine the integrity and independence of the ongoing review and investigation.
The ministry said official reports were made following information and evidence received on the matter, so that investigations could be carried out independently and properly.
“The ministry is leaving the matter entirely to the authorities to examine the evidence and establish the facts,” it said.
The authorities would take appropriate action under the law if there were grounds to do so, it added.
The ministry stressed that the review had to be carried out free from interference or undue influence.
"The ministry will not compromise on any attempt to use position, influence or networks to undermine the integrity of the process," it said.
The ministry and TalentCorp are carrying out a transformation and governance strengthening process at the agency, including its approval procedures and operational processes, according to the statement.
A review by TalentCorp's management together with the ministry had found several areas of governance that needed improvement, it said.
These included provisions in the company's constitution, compliance with internal policies, internal controls, and integrity and accountability mechanisms.
The ministry said the review and related investigation also involved TalentCorp's employees and management.
All parties involved must cooperate fully to ensure the process is fair and objective, it said, adding that any further action would depend on the outcome of the review and investigation.
TalentCorp's operations and strategic programmes will continue as usual throughout the process, the ministry added.
