Out with the old, in with the new! After the selection of the new Finance Minister, it looks like the whole Finance Ministry is having a reboot as some of its staff in the top brass are being removed from the ministry.
According to The Star, Treasury Secretary-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah has been transferred and will no longer carry out any duties under the Finance Ministry.
Source: Malaysia Post
Instead, Dr Mohd Irwan will serve under the Public Service Department starting 14 May to 13 June 2018, according to a statement by the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa. In regards to that, he will also no longer be allowed to carry out any duties as the Treasury Secretary-General or “anything related to the Finance Ministry”.
Although Dr Mohd Irwan’s initial contract extends till 6 March 2019, Dr Ali added that his contract “has been shortened with immediate effect”.
“The Government has decided to shorten the contract of employees with effect from 14 June, 2018,” he explained.
Source: TODAYonline
Prior to this, Dr Mohd Irwan was believed to have been involved with the Malaysian startup ecosystem’s controversy, where he was perceived as the patron because he was the chairman of the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC).
According to some viral screenshots of WhatsApp messages, Dr Mohd Irwan had allegedly cut off the funding for the 1Malaysia Entrepreneurs (1MET) programme after Nadira Yusoff, 1MET chief organiser, had expressed her veneration for Tun M via a Facebook post before polling day (9 May 2018).
Source: Sayang Sabah
Based on the WhatsApp screenshots, Dr Mohd Irwan was reportedly punishing Nadira, who is also the CEO of Nadi-Ayu Technologies Sdn Bhd and managing director of Girls In Tech, for openly displaying her admiration for Tun M and his wife, Siti Hasmah, via Facebook (but the post has since been deleted).
Apparently, Nadira was called out in a WhatsApp group chat titled “M’sian Startup Ecosystem” for supporting Tun M when she had benefited a lot from the (previous) government.
“You are taking my one post, about my admiration, on his fighting spirit, to punish me? That is very unfair, Tan Sri,” Nadira retaliated.
Source: Nadi-Ayu Technologies
“No point discussing anymore. Decision already being made.”
“I’m very disappointed. Don’t ever come to me for help. All those who think she is right, better resign from Govt,” Dr Mohd Irwan allegedly replied.
“Action will be taken against you immediately,” he said, refusing to accept her apology.
Though Nadia has refused to address this controversy to the press, she has expressed her gratitude in a Facebook post on Sunday (13 May 2018) for the public’s love and support following the controversy.
Source: Facebook
Nonetheless, it’s unsure whether this controversy had indeed caused the transfer of Dr Mohd Irwan, so it’s best not to speculate the reasons behind his transfer for the time being.
With that said, wherever he gets transferred to, we wish him the best as we hope he will work with honesty and integrity in his new position.
Also read: MACC Chief Commissioner, Dzulkifli Resigns Without Reason
