Set up internal committee to probe KLIA incident, says PM

SERDANG - A special internal committee will be set up to probe the controversial 'conflict' between the Public Services Department director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shafiq Abdullah and a senior officer from the Immigration Department at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) recently.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali was given the responsibility to determine the selection of the committee members.

"We have asked KSN to look into this matter.

"We have to be fair to all parties, those who complain and those who are complained about. We leave it to a committee (which) will be determined by the KSN," he said after officiating the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2022 at the Malaysian Agricultural Expo Park (MAEPS) here, on Saturday.

He said some have suggested for the Attorney General to be the chairman of the special committee "but I leave it to KSN to decide."

He also hope the probe investigations will be completed soon.

"We leave it to the committee to investigate, it's not very difficult because I saw a video. (So) They have to call witnesses, both sides and they will make a decision.

"We will discuss so that there is no division in the government staff. The harmonious atmosphere in the government needs to be maintained," he said.

Kesatuan Perkhidmatan Imigresen Semenanjung Malaysia (KPISM) last Wednesday, claimed that Mohd Shafiq yelled and cursed chief assistant immigration officer, James Lee after not being given special treatment.

The Public Service Department, in a statement on Aug 4, denied the allegations against Mohd Shafiq and explained that he only reprimanded immigration officers at the KLIA for not adhering to the stipulated practices and procedures.