Perak MB keeping mum on reason for sacking - The Star

IPOH: April 30, 2008 By CLARA CHOOI

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin has chosen to keep silent on the reason behind the sacking of Perak Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury.

In a statement Wednesday, Nizar said the state government did not want to be dragged deeper into the matter as it was not its policy to reveal the "doubtful" behaviour of any officer.

"We have been mindful and given the opportunity to all government servants to carry on their duties as usual so long as they cooperate with us," he said.

Nizar explained that Jamry had been seconded to the post of director from the state secretariat three years back, a decision made by the previous state administration.

"Hence, it is only proper that what is borrowed is returned. The state government is only restoring the credibility of the department's administration and we thank Jamry for his service all this time," he said.

Nizar also said that Jamry had been given over 40 days to familiarise himself and cooperate with the new state government and the fact that he had been given "24 hours' notice" was just procedural.

"The suitable question is this: Has he faced any losses? Why is this an issue when before this, government officers have been transferred from department to department even without the knowledge of the state government?" he said.

Earlier, during a press conference Wednesday after the launching of the Perak Syariah Court here, Nizar deflected questions on Jamry's sacking by telling reporters to only ask questions on "matters pertaining to the function."

"Be fair to those who are here. Ask only questions pertaining to this function. Other issues can be addressed at later functions," he said.

When contacted, Jamry said that he had been advised against revealing the reason for his removal for the "good of his career".

"I thank the media for its concern but I have to decline from giving any press statements. I did at first want to (give a press statement) but I think it is best that I do not," he said, adding that he was currently waiting for a letter from the Public Service Department on his next posting.

Jamry previously served as the Kuala Kangsar district officer for a year before he was transferred to the department in 2004.