NOVEMBER 19 — We refer to the many media reports dated 16, 17 and 18 November 2014 regarding the alleged improper “golden handshake” payouts amounting to several million ringgit as “compensation” that was given to 8 aides of the former Menteri Besar Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (TSKI).

We are deeply saddened and highly disappointed if the said reports are true; it is reported that the whole affair did not follow proper procedures and is currently under investigation. The Selangor administration under TSKI was willing to immediately terminate the services of 19 people under the excuse of so-called “cost-savings measures” but was quick in granting such an enormous amount to only 8 of his trusted aides.

While said ex-aides of TSKI have received such generous compensation, we the former staff of PHSB are still waiting for a fair and just solution for our injustice; in the interim we and our families continue to suffer since 2nd February 2014.

We continue to thank all parties that have supported us, especially Dato’ Ismail Abd Mutalib, Timbalan Menteri Sumber Manusia; Y.B. Abdullah Sani, Vice President of MTUC; YB Saari Sungib, Chairman JPK ABAS, Biro Pekerja Muda and other NGOs as well as our families, friends and ex-colleagues of PHSB and PKNS.

We would like to reiterate that we harbour no ill-feeling towards the current state government. Indeed, we have faith in the new leadership of Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor Azmin Ali to right this wrong and to end the suffering endure by us and our families. At the time of writing, YAB Dato’ Menteri Besar has declared (as reported in a SelangorKini’s video) that the audit findings of the alleged payouts are ready and the next course of action will be decided during the MBI board meeting. We would like to congratulate him and the state government for the swift action taken so far.

Lastly, we pray to Almighty Allah for his mercy and blessings, and are grateful to our legal system in allowing us to have a speedy Industrial Relations court date fixed for the coming 2nd December 2014.

* Dato’ Sri Dr. Aiman Abdullah is a representative of former PHSB employees.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.