By Adib Zalkapli
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigation into the Kelantan government investment arm PMBK saw its first casualty yesterday with the removal of its corporate liaison officer Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz.
Syed Azidi, who joined the state government in 2007, said that his service contract was terminated for allegedly lodging a report with MACC over the management of PMBK and for conspiring with a Barisan Nasional assemblyman.
PMBK was first rocked by the controversial appointment of Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat's son-in-law Arif Fahmi Rahman as its CEO.
Last week, MACC officers visited the PMBK office in Kota Baru and quizzed its finance manager. Arif too was questioned by the graft busters.
Arif, an engineer by training, was first appointed PMBK COO in early 2008 before he was promoted to his current post about two months ago.
“Arif must resign now as he has become a liability to the state government and he doesn't command the respect of the PMBK staff,” Syed Azidi told The Malaysian Insider.
Syed Azidi said he met Nik Aziz yesterday at his office after his removal to explain his position and deny all the allegations directed at him.
Syed Azidi, who also writes under the pseudonym Kickdefella, confirmed on his blog that his contract had been terminated with immediate effect. On it, he also maintains he had neither lodged any reports with the MACC nor fed any information to BN assemblymen.
He added that he will continue to support Nik Aziz's leadership.
Nik Aziz had repeatedly defended Arif’s appointment and had said that he welcomed any investigation against his son-in-law.
The Malaysian Insider understands Arif's management style has caused dissatisfaction among PAS leaders and elected representatives in the state.
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Tok guru, for the sake of State Government of Kelantan's integrity, Arif Fahmi has to go. Now!