Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Deputy Minister Murugiah who was criticised by Home Minister Syed Hamid over the Teresa Kok food in lockup incident, replied back saying that he was only doing his job (attending to the people’s complaints and solving problems) when he made his statements. He even cleared it with his boss, Bernard Dompok.
“His statement asking me not to interfere in other people’s affairs is simply asking me and the 270 staff in the Public Complaints Bureau to close shop,”
“Between January and August the bureau received about 180 complaints on each ministry. How can I do my job if I can’t interfere in another ministry? The Public Complaints Bureau is above all ministries when it comes to handling complaints.”
From NST:
“As a junior (deputy) minister and head of the Complaints Bureau, I am receptive to criticism, but investigating complaints, even from the opposition, is one of my responsibilities.”
He said the government could not afford to practise double standards and that Kok’s allegations of being served food that she compared to dog food, had tarnished the image of the country.
“It was not an arbitrary decision on my part, although I did initiate the move.”
“Syed Hamid’s criticisms are not justified because probing public complaints is my job and my obligations are to the public while being accountable to the prime minister.”
Murugiah said Syed Hamid should talk to him directly instead of making comments publicly.
“I’m trying to do something good for the general public, treating everyone fairly regardless of whether they are from the Government, the Opposition or members of the public,” he said.
“As a junior minister, I will always accept with an open heart guidance from (Syed Hamid), and if he would like to show me the best way to do my job.”
So, will Syed Hamid show the way? His ministry is already under attack from nearly everyone over the misuse of ISA. Now, another headache for him.
