KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today denied there was an impending cabinet reshuffle, as is widely rumoured.
“I don’t think I should entertain such conspiracy theories. I was supposed to resign last week,” the Umno Vice President told reporters at Parliament’s lobby today.
According to a blogger known as Shabudin Husin, the recent Saudi Arabia working visit by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak was to prepare for a cabinet reshuffle.
Hishammuddin and Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were also present during the trip.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should take firm action against any Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) officer found to have engaged in fraud on spare parts supply purchase for RMN vessel KD Laksamana Hang Nadim.
He stated that he would not protect the individuals if there was substantial evidence found.
“We have (to) check with the audits (Audit Department), my position is that I will not protect any wrongdoing (in this case),” he said.
A media report had claimed that MACC had arrested six navy officers, who were alleged to have made millions of ringgit in false transactions while procuring parts and equipment from civilian suppliers.
MACC investigations had suggested these purchases were made through the old Quotation Management System (QMS), not the e-perolehan (IT-based) system for procurement of goods and services that was introduced by the Ministry of Finance in July 1999. — Bernama
