Ex-MB Khalid denies knowledge of RM2.5 mln payout to aides
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has claimed ignorance over allegations that his former aides were issued severance payments amounting to a staggering over RM2.5 million after he stepped down as Selangor mentri besar.
According to The Star yesterday, the former state chief executive appeared surprised when informed of the figures, and said he was not sure how much the eight aides were paid.
“If the calculation is correct, then it’s correct but I don’t think so,” Khalid was quoted saying after a function in Sungai Besi yesterday.
The Bandar Tun Razak MP then explained that his aides were given payments under a “voluntary separation scheme” (VSS) that was offered to them upon his departure from office.
He said the decision was made by the state-owned Mentri Besar Incorporated (MBI), and was even presented to the state executive council.
“The board is made up of three people - the mentri besar, the state secretary and the state financial officer,” he was quoted saying.
The embattled leader also reportedly said that MBI had cash reserves of up to RM112 million and that the VSS payments to his aides took up no more than two per cent of the amount.
“I followed all procedures, they can be audited,” he said.
On Saturday, Khalid’s successor Azmin Ali refused to confirm or deny news of his administration’s plan to recover the monies paid to the former’s aides, saying he needs further details first.
“Let me get the details first,” the PKR deputy president said when approached by reporters at an event yesterday morning.