Khalid investigates PNSB’s purchase of Mecca properties, two officers asked to take leave
(Suara keADILan) – Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim has accused the previous state government led by his predecessor Mohd Khir Toyo of unauthorised investment in properties in Mecca worth RM17.5 million in 2007.
In a statement released by his office, Khalid revealed the purchases were made through Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad without the approval of its board of directors.
Two top officials from PNSB – chief executive Khairiyah Abu Hassan and finance manager Nora Azmin Radzuan – have been ordered to go on a month’s paid leave to facilitate investigations into the “irregularities and weaknesses” in the company’s financial accounts. Nora Azmin is also Selangor Puteri Umno chief.
According to Khalid,, the PNSB board had approved the purchase of five properties in Al Marwa Tower, an apartment complex built by the BinLadin group near the Kaaba, for RM8.3 million, in 2007.
But PNSB bought more than what the board authorised, acquiring a total of 12 properties for RM25.6 million. It also almost immediately sold seven of the properties to an unnamed individual for RM17.2 million.
“The above actions are certainly puzzling. Why did PNSB pay more than RM25 million when the board only approved about RM8 million for five units?
“Why did it then accept about RM17 million said to be for the sale of the seven units? Why did it then attempt to re-purchase the units it had sold off?” the statement said.
Who is this individual?
Khalid also disclosed that in 2008, PNSB prepared four cheques for RM8 million payable to the same individual who had bought the seven properties.
“However, three of the four cheques prepared and signed by authorised signatories were then cancelled.
“The fourth cheque amounting to RM2 million was released and banked into the account of the individual. PNSB then arranged with the bank to stop payment,” Khalid said.
External advisors have now been appointed to assist in evaluating expenses of state agencies, including PNSB. The questionable purchase of the Al Marwa Towers properties was highlighted by external auditors.
Khalid has warned strong action will be taken if evidence of any criminal act is found.
