By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Aug 6 — The board of directors of two state-owned companies that are said to be planning a four-day retreat in Perth, Australia this month have not yet given approval for the overseas trip, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
As such, he is unaware if the firms in question — Kumpulan Hartanah Selangor Bhd (KHSB) and Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd — will proceed with the plan.
Amirudin was speaking to the press in response to a news report alleging that he would be attending the trip.
The Menteri Besar said that although he strives to attend every invitation, it may not always be feasible, and that his attendance will be based on priority.
“I am unaware of it (final decision) because it has not been approved by the board members yet,” he said after attending the SkyCity groundbreaking ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotal today.
On July 29, Malaysia Now published a report alleging that KHSB and Central Spectrum (M) are flying their directors and top executives on an overseas trip to Perth, which would include an all-expense paid sightseeing tour and ample “free and easy” time.
It also claimed that they would be accompanied by Amirudin during the trip, which is slated for August 23 to August 27.
KHSB responded by rubbishing the “illogical and malicious” allegations, clarifying that the proposed meeting remains an internal proposal that has yet to receive approval from its board of directors.
Amirudin said overseas retreats involving government subsidiaries are also not uncommon, considering the state has foreign assets and projects to be visited.
“Regardless, (my) attendance depends on priority and the availability of my time.
“However, I do not know about the finer details yet as I do not have further information on the matter,” he said, adding that he does not chair the boards.
