Azmin not involved in Unisel agreement, says MBI officer

(The Star) – Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali is not personally involved in the agreement between Universiti Selangor (Unisel) and Jana Niaga Sdn Bhd, said one of his officers.

Strategic communications director in the Mentri Besar’s Office Yin Shao Loong said the agreement, based on good governance, also did not involve Azmin in his capacity as the state’s decision maker in the dispute settlement between the university and the company.

“The Selangor government’s stance on this matter is based on the decision by both parties on an out-of-court settlement,” Yin said in a statement following the raid on Unisel and Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) yesterday.

Yin added that the state government would continue to cooperate with the MACC in its investigation of Unisel and MBI.

Meanwhile, according to a source, Jana Niaga was appointed as a concessionaire for Unisel during former Mentri Besar Dr Khir Toyo’s time.

Selangor state exco for Education, Human Capital Development, Science, Technology and Innovation Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the state government was willing to give its full cooperation to the anti-graft body in its investigation.

He said the state government hoped to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

“As mentioned before, the approach by Jana Niaga and Unisel in the settlement of dispute was decided at the board level.

“Every process prioritised the university, especially the students,” said Nik Nazmi, who is also Seri Setia assemblyman, in a statement yesterday.

He said the state government would leave it to the MACC to investigate the matter and provide every form of evidence and statement needed.

Selangor Umno deputy chief Datuk Mat Nadzari Ahmad said that while Kelana Jaya Umno Youth had lodged a report with the MACC, the commission’s actions should not be linked only to the report.

“I think that the action being taken by the MACC is fair,” he said.

On Aug 8, the division’s Umno Youth movement lodged a report against Azmin.