Jamry episode takes another twist - NST

IPOH: May 8, 2008 By M. Husairy Othman husairy@nst.com.my

Datuk Jamry Sury officially resumed his duties as the state Religious Department director after clocking-in at 7.30am at Kompleks Islam here yesterday.

It is believed that he had finally received his "appointment" letter signed by State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim a day earlier.

However, it looks like the whole episode of him being transferred out immediately and subsequently being reinstated a week later is not quite over just yet.

Jamry's ability in carrying out his duties in a fair manner because of his status as an Umno member has now been questioned by a group of Pas members from the party's Ipoh Timur division.

"We are suspicious (curiga) after learning that he is a Parit Buntar Umno member. He might be biased against the present Pakatan Rakyat-led state government," division chief Salman Saleh told reporters outside Jamry's office here yesterday.

Reading from a memorandum which was earlier handed over to the department's deputy director Mohd Yusop Husin, he called upon Jamry to work with the Pakatan Rakyat-led state government in a professional manner.

"We also question his failure to fully co-operate with the state government as he must carry out his duties in a responsible and trustworthy manner.

"He must set aside both personal sentiments and narrow political ideologies and accept the rakyat's decision," Salman said.

He also called upon Jamry to relinquish his post in a graceful manner should the latter fail to provide the fullest co-operation and service to the state government.

"Jamry must place the interests of the people, especially Muslims, above everything else," Salman said.

When contacted, Jamry only said that he wished to thank the media for highlighting the matter throughout the week.

"I do not want to say anything more as I do not want to be in the limelight," he said.

Last Monday, he was ordered to be immediately transferred out to the state secretariat by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin for failing to co-operate with the state government.

Perak Raja Muda Raja Nazrin Shah, acting on behalf of Sultan Azlan Shah, summoned Nizar to the palace on Friday, where the latter was ordered to reinstate Jamry.

The following day, Nizar said he would seek an audience with Sultan Azlan Shah as soon as possible to apologise for Jamry's transfer.

The menteri besar was told he was obliged to seek an audience with the Sultan and Raja Muda to seek their consent before taking any steps in relation to Islamic affairs or Islamic bodies and agencies.

These include appointments, placements and transfers of officers and staff who manage Islamic affairs.