Clarification on the treatment of an Madrasah Irsyad employee and a Muis employee as respective investigations were on-going

Question

Mr Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs whether he can explain the different approach and action taken in respect of the Madrasah Irsyad employee who allegedly leaked confidential documents of the Madrasah and who has since resigned and that in respect of the senior MUIS employee who was allegedly involved in the Halal certification issue but was nonetheless retained as part of MUIS' workforce while investigations by CPIB and CAD are ongoing.

Response

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs & Minister for Social and Family Development:

1. Muis takes a serious view towards all allegations of wrongdoing. In such cases, Muis will conduct investigations to determine whether there has been any wrongdoing. Where appropriate, the case will be referred to the Police or other relevant authorities.

2. The circumstances of both cases are different. During the internal investigations by Madrasah Irsyad and Muis, the staff from Madrasah Irsyad had admitted to contravening the Madrasah's internal policy and resigned. As police investigations are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment on the case involving the staff from Madrasah Irsyad.  As for the case regarding the Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCB), an independent panel found that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against the Muis officer involved. CPIB have also looked into the matter and informed that they will not take any further action in view of insufficient evidence.