‘Alleged wastage not linked to new govt’

KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry ( MoE) has clarified that the accusation of wastage of millions of ringgit involving a unit under the ministry – namely, the Education Performance and Delivery Unit ( PADU) – has no connection with the new government.

The MoE, in a statement yesterday, said the accusation, which was made by a former worker, took place during the administration of the previous government and did not involve the new administration, which prioritises a governance that is transparent, responsible and with integrity.

The statement was made in response to the report by a local news portal titled ‘ Consultant Scoops Up Millions of Ringgit from the Education Ministry in the Era of BN’, which was aired Friday.

According to the statement, the individual who made the statement was a former worker in PADU who was appointed contractually and worked from Nov 15, 2013, under the old government until his contract was terminated on April 2, 2015.

The individual is said to be disgruntled by the termination of his contract and his case had been taken to the Industrial Court and is awaiting the result of a trial.

Subsequently, the MoE via PADU lodged a police report on Jan 11 to refute the allegation.

‘’ Under the new government, the ministry has taken the approach to strengthen the governance of PADU in a continuous improvement measure, especially for PADU to play a role to help the ministry, which is undergoing a comprehensive review of the implementation of the national education policy.

“The MoE’s priority is to ensure that a good system of governance continues to be maintained and practised,’’ said the statement.

PADU was established under the Companies Act as a limited company with a guarantee in March 2013, entrusted to realise the implementation of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013- 2025 drawn up by the MoE. — Bernama