KUALA LUMPUR: Pasir Gudang Member of Parliament Hassan Abdul Karim has advised Human Resources Minister V.Sivakumar to take leave from his duties until the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) completes its investigation into alleged corruption in foreign worker recruitment deals.
Hassan, who is a member of the Special Committee on Corruption, said this would show a positive example in line with the Pakatan Harapan government's agenda to eradicate corruption.
"The minister certainly has a better understanding of the principles of 'collective responsibility' and 'ministerial responsibility' in the work functions of the cabinet.
"Don't wait for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to issue an order on the minister whose ministry is involved in corruption to go on leave or resign.
"Each minister should have his own responsibility to protect the good name of the government led by the Prime Minister who is clearly taking action to combat corruption in the government machinery," he said in a statement today.
Hassan said the actions of Sivakumar not wanting to take leave from his post could potentially be damaging to the unity government.
"So far the minister is not a suspect, nor is he an accused person.
"But the fact that he was twice called to be investigated by the MACC and that his home and office were visited by the MACC does not reflect well on the image of Malaysia Madani government.
"I believe the minister is a respected politician and has a clear and noble conscience. As a member of parliament and an experienced political leader it is honorable for Sivakumar to take the right action.
"I am not urging or calling for him to resign now. At least it would be good at this time for him to take leave first from his duties as a minister," he said.