Abdul Azim on why he quit BSN
Abdul Azim also said the issue had nothing to do with his legal battle with Raja Petra Kamarudin over two articles the blogger wrote last year and with him being named as Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd chairman in the ongoing Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal.
The Star
Bukit Bintang Umno division chief Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Zabidi has clarified that he stepped down as Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) chairman to comply with Bank Negara Malaysia guidelines.
He denied an online news portal’s report that he was dropped from the position following the central bank’s objection.
“I was given until the end of this year (to serve as BSN chairman) but I will be non-compliant with Bank Negara guidelines if I don’t step down now. Bank Negara did not object, they are just complying with their guidelines.
“The guidelines have been imposed many times in the past.
“Now is my turn, that’s all,” he said when asked to confirm an online news portal report that his contract as BSN chairman was terminated prematurely due to conflicts with his political career.
Abdul Azim said he was disappointed with the news portal for putting him in bad light.
“I had spoken to Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz and made the decision that it would not be appropriate for me to hold the position until the term of expiry.”
According to Bank Negara guidelines, individuals active in politics cannot be appointed directors of licensed institutions.
This is to avoid the risk of a conflict of interest in situations where a politician has to juggle between his role as director of a licensed institution and obligations to his constituents.
Abdul Azim also said the issue had nothing to do with his legal battle with Raja Petra Kamarudin over two articles the blogger wrote last year and with him being named as Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd chairman in the ongoing Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal.
Kuala Dimensi is the main developer of the transhipment project.
“It is very bad.
“They make it seemed as though it is linked to PKFZ and the Raja Petra case,” said Abdul Azim who was awarded RM1mil in libel damages by the Kuala Lumpur High Court after Raja Petra failed to appear in a civil proceeding to file a statement of defence.
