Tan: PA in cold storage on orders from PKR pending probe

(The Star) – A personal assistant to a state executive councillor has been suspended from work, allegedly over the “30% rebate” issue.

State Environment, Chinese Affairs and Transport Committee chairman Tan Chow Kang @ Tan Joo Long said he suspended his aide on Monday following allegations that he had asked for “rebate money” from allocations given to Chinese associations in Kedah.

He said the personal assistant would remain suspended pending ongoing investigations.

He said the suspension was on the orders of the PKR central committee leadership.

When contacted, the personal assistant confirmed he had been suspended but insisted he was not involved in any wrongdoing.

He claimed the percentage taken from the allocations was an issue between the contractors and the associations.

The contractors could have taken a portion of the allocation to offset costs such as service charges, interest rate and other charges, he said.

“I believe the issue is due to a misunderstanding and miscommunication over the charges,” he said.

Kedah Angkatan Muda Keadilan vice-chief Simon Ooi Tze Ming said the issue might also be a political conspiracy with the elections around the corner.

Sungai Petani MCA secretary Dr Lee Yian Wok said they would continue to pursue the matter.