Bizarre turn of events at MSM following tiff with ex-CEO

PETALING JAYA: MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd, which is owned by Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd, has appointed Mohd Shaffie Said as acting chief executive officer (CEO) with immediate effect after former boss Datuk Mohamad Amri Sahari@Khuzari refused to return to work.

The bizarre turn of events came about after Mohamad Amri claimed that he was “constructively dismissed”.

The sugar producer, in a filing with Bursa Malaysia, announced the vacation of office of president and group CEO following Mohamad Amri’s decision to leave.

“MSM has denied his claim and requested him to return to work in accordance with the terms and conditions of service to discharge his roles and responsibilities as the president/GCEO,” it said.

Following the affirmation by Mohamad Amri that he would not return to work, MSM appointed Mohd Shaffie as acting CEO.

Mohd Shaffie holds the positions of chief technical officer of MSM and project director of MSM Sugar Refinery (Johor) Sdn Bhd.

“He will also assume the responsibilities of the president/GCEO and shall report directly to the executive director of MSM,” the company said.

Despite the management controversy, MSM said business would continue as usual, and that the directors, together with the management, “stand firm in growing the business going forward”.

There had been speculation about Mohamad Amri leaving the company because he could not get along with the new directors appointed by parent company Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd. MSM has seen several changes in its management team and board over the past one year.