MP benches her officer over scandal

He is accused of ‘awarding’ a Ramadan bazaar contract

MELAKA: Tangga Batu MP Rusnah Aluai has asked one of her special officers to go on a two-month unpaid leave following controversy over the awarding of a Ramadan bazaar contract in Klebang.

Rusnah said a decision on whether the officer would continue serving her would be known only after two months.

“I have two special officers and this individual was in charge of social work in my constituency.

“I am disappointed with the officer’s act. His action is tantamount to abusing his position,” she said.

Rusnah was responding to an open letter by PKR leader Badrul Hisham Shahrin – popularly known as Che’gu Bard – to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on the alleged mismanagement of the bazaar.

On May 11, Badrul alleged that the management of the main bazaar was handed over to a company whose owner was linked to a Member of Parliament in Melaka.

The bazaar is located within a highly populated area and Badrul wanted to know how the state government had allowed it to be contracted to a company.

He also questioned why the management of the bazaar was not handed over to the Village Community Management Council or residential associations like the practice in other states.

Furthermore, Badrul said the rental fee of each lot was exorbitant, forcing traders to raise the prices of goods.

Rusnah said the officer had given the impression that she was involved in the management of the bazaar.

“I have no links to the decision on the awarding of the contract or gave him permission to manage the bazaar,” she said.