Most politicians appreciate the transparency, no holds bared revelation, and whistlingblowing social media, blogs and online platforms. As Dato Azeez Raheem once complimented them as Jabatan Netizen.
Jabatan Netizan could be anybody from any walks of life, but the deadliest are those comments giving leads to happenings outside the radar or censored by mainstream media or portal with an agenda. It attracts more discussions, reveal leads and invite investigation by the more resourceful one.
However, some politician from the dinosaur era, who refuse to change their ways, seemed to not understand that any wrongdoing will get leaked into social media and find its way into mainstream media or major portals. Most recent was the SD of Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz's family members admitted receiving 1MDB money from Jho Low.
Chairman of Prasarana Malaysia, Dato Tajuddin Abdul Rahman have a FB account, but he does not seem to deeply appreciate the nature of social media as a fifth column. He is under the spotlight, but not for his remark related to UMNO pulling out support for PPBM.
Edge Online revealed Prasarana awarded contract to his family member company. Just like Zeti who took awhile to response, Prasarana will be giving a press conference at their Bangsar corporate office at 4 PM today.
Tajuddin need to answer quite a few questions. His answers should well explained and substantiate his position. Be truthful or like Zeti, documents would immediately surface to reveal any of his inconsistency.
It is already expected that he is going to shit on MRCB by accusing them of overpaying contractors by RM700m. And, he is going to accuse CEO Nizam of colluding with MRCBGK and explain this is the reason for Nizam's suspension.
However, these are diversionary tactics that could be viewed to distract from the allegations that Tajuddin interfered in the awarding of contracts and management of Prasarana even though he is merely a non-executive chairman.
Like the Zeti's family SD, the fact being established and documents will likely emerge on social media or some portals is that Tajuddin used his influence to award contracts to his daughter's company Detik Utuh and his proxy Prestag.
There is a high possibility, more so politically motivated by Tajuddin being a prick to the Muhyiddin government, the situation could be exploited politically. He should have known better that Muhyiddin's communication team is infamous for doing illegal recording on anyone meeting the boss at his office.
Tajuddin is a predictable creature and his moves anticipated. There are reasons to believe of the existence of voice recording of a Board meeting, where he instructed suspended and recently appointed CEO Muhammad Nizam Alias to do illegal things.
Nizam may have anticipated himself to be a victim and may have turned MACC whistleblower. Prior to the official appointment of Tajuddin in May, there were already noises of his eventual appointment before the brouhaha over UMNO being upset with cabinet appointments that left out key leaders. A comment in a Facebook posting expressed concern Tajuddin insisted on changing the CEO already appointed by the Minister of Finance, where the authority lies.
Tajuddin's preference was a CEO that has a bad record, corruptible by virtue of being bisa diatur (can do), and boo boo on the project implementation in the past. Don't ask how it came to this blogger's attention.
Similar to MARA Corp
A call to someone in a previous government, who used to handle the Prasarana portfolio, said he was aware of three candidates being considered and all are equally good.
One end up in MARA Corp, but unfortunately situation emerging is screwed up and similar to Prasarana where there exist a plan to oust the CEO.
Source claimed Tajuddin insisted on his preference and now it is revealed he wanted projects for himself. He could get away with cronyism practices in UMNO Pasir Salak Division. Apparently the said daughter is the Division Seretary and prefered by Tajuddin over the Division Youth Chief son.
Suspicious happening and conflict of interest at MARA Corp too of suspicious insidious plans by self serving Advisers, members of the Board of MARA Corp, and members of MARA Council.
One cannot get away with such nonsence in GLCs. NST published Dr Kamal Salih's article to this effect of public cannot tolerate "the politicisation of GLICs and GLCs". Though MARA Corp is being mentioned, it applies to Prasarana too!
Not taking it laying down
Knowing Tajuddin, he will not take this lying down and agree to the PR way to stay mum. As a politician and fighter, he will want to clear his name.
It is political opportunity to rid of a political detractor, but PMO may have tried in vain to stop Tajuddin from proceeding with the press conference.
It will reflect badly on PM, whose government will be saddled with similar occurrences abundantly happening in others GLICs and GLCs, including among others are the NIIS contract. and impending explosive issue of Sabah maintainance contract.
Tajuddin will not likely listen and Ministry of Finance as owner of Prasarana would be unsuccessful to stop him. Tajuddin would insist on a press conference to politicise his way out and force Ainon and Nardin to yet again intervene in the process of law.