KLANG: Datuk Salahuddin Ayub rubbished rumours that his political secretary, who was subjected to graft investigations recently, had received a luxury watch worth about RM28,000.
The amount was said to be as an inducement to allow a development company to secure projects under the ministry.
The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister also denied the existence of such projects.
“No such thing (projects). Nonsense,” said Salahuddin when asked on the projects believed to be linked to the MACC investigations.
Salahuddin added that his aide has not been suspended and has returned to work after he was released on MACC bail.
“He is still discharging his duties. On the day he was released, he got back to work.
“So far, there is no prosecution against him. So I have no problems with him coming back to work,” Salahuddin told reporters after visiting the Etika Dairies Sdn Bhd factory in Meru, here.
Salahuddin's 47-year-old political secretary was remanded for four days before he was released last Thursday.
Also present was his deputy Sim Tze Tsin and Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam.
Asked on what would be his next course of action should his political secretary be charged by the MACC in the future, Salahuddin said he would leave the matter to the authorities.
“The investigations had been completed and I will let the law take its course. For the time being, there is no action taken against him,” added Salahuddin.