The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) investigation on Abdul Ariffahmi Abdul Rahman, the son-in-law of Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is 90% completed.
MACC head of investigation division Datuk Shukri Abdull said investigations on Ariffahmi will carry on irrespective of his decision to resign as chief executive officer of the Kelantan Mentri Besar Incorporated.
Investigation was on issues of financial misappropriation and on a sponsored haj trip.
“It doesn’t matter if he had resigned or not going on the haj. Investigations have started and we are duty bound to complete it,” said Shukri.
He added the investigation papers would be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers once completed.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will investigate Kelantan Menteri Besar Incorporated (PMBK) chief executive officer Abdul Ariffahmi Abdul Rahman for alleged misappropriation and abuse of power although he quit the post yesterday.
According to a source in the MACC, the investigation was a normal procedure following several allegations against PMBK.
"At this stage, the MACC is compiling information and the documents obtained from PMBK early this month while the investigation into this case is half-way through," said the source.
"After the investigation is completed, the papers will be submitted to the public prosecutor''s office to determine whether a charge should be made out."
Yesterday, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat ordered his son-in-law Abdul Ariffahmi to resign from his CEO post in PMBK to avoid further allegations through the blogsites and poison-pen letters, and to safeguard PAS' good name.
Problems in PMBK began when six MACC officers were reported to have raided the PMBK office in Jalan Kuala Krai here on Nov 9 and took away several documents.
The crisis in PMBK deepened when Abdul Ariffahmi last week ended the work contract of PMBK corporate liaison officer Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz, better known as blogger Kickdefella, seen as the righthand man of state exco member Datuk Husam Musa, who is also a PAS central committee member.
Two days ago, Husam was reported to have offered to resign from all party and state government posts following the upheaval in PMBK and allegations by certain quarters that he was behind it.
Nik Aziz not quiting becoz of PAS current problems but said they are potential successor to him
PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat tonight did not discount the possibility there were people in the party in Kelantan who could succeed him as the menteri besar when he stepped down.
However, he declined to indicate who the potential successors were, saying it was subject to the hierarchy in the party in the state where there was a commissioner and three deputy commissioners.
Nik Aziz also stressed that he would not resign over the problems faced by PAS now or on the urging of anyone, especially the opposition.
"I will not step down except due to ill health or old age, but the time has not come yet," he told Bernama when contacted at his home here.
Nik Aziz was asked to comment on a statement by Kelantan PAS Commissioner III Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah on the Malaysian Insider website that Nik Aziz should announce his successor to avert a power struggle and conflict in Kelantan PAS later.
Ahmad Yaakob tops list as Nik Aziz’s successor
Speculation is rife that the ageing Kelantan mentri besar is already preparing a succession plan and his current deputy, Datuk Ahmad Yaakob, has been named by party leaders and analysts as the one likely to replace him.
Last night, Datuk Seri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat stated that the party has already "envisioned" a list of leaders he felt was ready to take over.
Though he did not mention names, the mentri besar, who has helmed the state for 19 years, did hint that the succession will be done according to party tradition.
Based on this tradition, observers have named three most senior leaders within the Kelantan PAS government as those likely to succeed Nik Aziz — state exco and Nik Aziz "protege" Datuk Husam Musa, fellow exco Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah and Ahmad Yaakob.
PAS central committee member Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, speaking to The Malaysian Insider, said out of the three, there are several reasons why Ahmad Yaakob is seen as the front-runner.
"When you talk about a succession plan in PAS, there are three important criteria that you must consider. First is seniority. Second is experience in governance and third is of course political perception.
"Out of the three, Ahmad Yaakob is the most senior and as deputy MB, he has vast experience in governance but the most important point is that he fulfils the third requirement," he said.
The third prerequisite, said Mujahid, requires the candidate to have a formal Islamic education background which Ahmad Yaakob has.
Ahmad Yaakob, who was appointed deputy MB in 2004, also enjoys the support of the various factions within PAS Kelantan, added Mujahid further.
This requirement is a setback for Husam who has no formal Islamic education though he did graduate with a degree in economics.
Despite being a close ally of Nik Aziz, the state exco also has many enemies in Kelantan particularly from the pro-Umno-PAS co-operation conservative camp within the party.
"So Ahmad Yaakob can be seen as the balance between the factions in Kelantan PAS and a candidate likely to be able to stabilise the party there," Mujahid said.
A political analyst with the International Islamic University, Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Bari, an expert on PAS politics, agrees with the views expressed by Mujahid.
In an interview with The Malaysian Insider, Abdul Aziz said the ascension of Ahmad Yaakob as the new MB is a Kelantan government matter and being such, it is normal for the deputy MB to be next in line for the post.
He believes Husam's character — introverted and lack of communication skills — is a factor and his vocal attack against the conservatives within the party has created many enemies and his appointment would only worsen the rivalries in the state.
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