The Malaysian Insight

PRASARANA Malaysia Berhad chief executive officer Muhammad Nizam Alias Nizam had been on leave from November 27 to December 8 when he was served with a show-cause letter and subsequently suspended the next day for misconduct and insubordination, said group chairman Tajuddin Abdul Rahman. 

Nizam was appointed as CEO to the Finance Ministry-owned public transport systems and services company in July last year. 

Speaking in a press conference today, Tajuddin said Prasarana had formed a special internal committee to investigate the charges against Nizam. 

“Prasarana’s board of directors had asked Nizam to go on leave on November 27 over misconduct and insubordination charges. 

“He has been issued a show-cause letter over the matter,” added the Pasir Salak MP.

Tajuddin said Nizam had responded to the show-cause letter, which was being looked into by the special internal committee. 

He said the committee consisted of three Prasarana directors. 

“We have just formed this committee. The directors wanted to follow procedures on this matter. Three of our directors are in this committee and they will look into the show-cause reply. 

“When there are cases like this, it is usual to suspend someone. He will however continue to enjoy his salary throughout the investigation period,” he added. 

He did not give details of Nizam’s alleged misconduct and insubordination, saying they were internal matters. 

“It is not good for me to share them in public. Give him the chance to reply, and give us a chance to study the reply he is going to give against the allegations. 

“Now is not the right time because it can be prejudicial to him or us.” 

He however criticised Nizam for using the media to defend himself. 

“I suspect he has gone too far, to play the game in the media, to attack Prasarana and attack me. To me, this is not very professional. This is not good.” 

He also confirmed Prasarana has not filed police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission reports against Nizam.

Prasarana owns and operates the country’s urban rail services that include three light rail transit networks and the KL Monorail, in addition to operating the mass rapid transit line.

Prasarana also owns and operates the stage bus services in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Perak and Pahang. – January 4, 2021.