RM5m retirement bash: Updates

The DG reported in the RM5m retirement bash has been identified as Tan Sri Abdul Halil Mutalib from the Custom and Excise Department.

The Star reported on Saturday that Tan Sri Abdul Hilil Mutalib is a victim of jealousy. He pointed fingers at his jealous colleagues and victims of his tough enforcement actions.

The Star further reported yesterday that a teary-eyed Tan Sri Abdul Halil Mutalib, made it clear that he will not attend any goodbye party even after the matter is sorted out.

Abdul Halil said he explained to Najib his side of the story, claiming that certain quarters were out to frame him.

The Star further reported today: In a dramatic turn of events, the beleaguered Customs and Excise Department chief now wants to lodge a police report against certain individuals and organisations that he alleged had created the RM5mil farewell parties controversy to ruin his image.

On the other hand, NST, which brought this controversy into attention on Thursday, had presented some 'evidence' on this RM5m bash, including itenary of events and budget requests.

A further report reveal that the Audit Department will audit expenses incurred by the Customs Department in holding functions to coincide with the retirement of the outgoing DG.

It is not for us to investigate the department. We will carry out normal
auditing on the spending incurred and whether procedures are followed. If
there are misappropriations, it will be referred to the relevant agencies
like the police or the Anti-Corruption Agency," a director of the department
said today.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop was also quoted saying that a team from the Finance Ministry is investigating whether procedures were followed in organising farewell parties for Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abdul Mutalib.

Blogger Mack Zulkifli of Brand New Malaysian had urged the public to write in to the Prime Minister on this matter. Let's hope the public will have a fair share of the truth soon. Having said that, how much have we learnt about the AP issue since the day it was brought up? Sigh.