KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran newsman Datuk A Kadir Jasin announced his resignation as the Council of Eminent Persons' head of media and communications effective immediately.
Writing on his blog , Kadir said he made the decision so as to ensure there will be no confusion amongst members of the public between his role within the council and his personal opinions.
"I have been diligently stating in the preamble of my Blog post that whatever views expressed therein were entirely mine.
"I was writing in my personal capacity as a blogger and had nothing to do whatsoever with whatever position I might hold," Kadir said.
He claimed that reporters who quoted his opinions had linked it to his role within the council.
"To avoid embarrassment to the Council and any possible conflict of interest on my part, I offered my resignation and was accepted by the Chairman, Tun Daim Zainuddin.," Kadir added, expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Daim for having trusted him.
"I will continue to serve our beloved country and its people in the best way that I know how, which is with the nip of my pen."
Kadir has been embroiled in controversy after it was claimed that he had 'used his position' to criticise Malay Rulers, particularly Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.
The controversy began when Kadir posted in his blog that RM256.9 million was spent for the personal expenditure of the Agong in the 16 months since he ascended the throne.
Following that, PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim slammed Kadir for the post, stating the latter lacked decorum.
Kadir later said he did not criticise the Malay Rulers, stressing that his post on the Agong was 'just his personal view'.
Meanwhile, police confirmed they have opened an investigation paper into Kadir following his blog post.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the case is being investigated under the Sedition Act 1948, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, and Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation.
He said police opened the investigation paper after receiving three reports on the case, involving Kadir.