'My termination from Finas CEO post at minister's discretion' - Md Nasir
AMPANG - "I want to clear my name as I do not want people to question why I was terminated within 24 hours," says former Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) chief executive officer (CEO) Professor Dr Md Nasir Ibrahim.
He stated his contract termination as CEO was not due to misconduct issues as there was no report lodged to the police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
"I want people to understand that my termination is at the minister's discretion.
"Everyone is confident I was terminated due to a misconduct issue, but those who do not contact me may have different views, there may be certain insults that are widespread, Allah is omniscient and he knows what I do,” he said at a press conference at a hotel here on Thursday.
He admitted to explaining the real matter to the Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil on what occurred.
"To be honest, I have sent several messages to YB Fahmi about my developments and I am sure that he is very busy. I am not sure whether he's read it or not.
"The responsibility to inform of my development has been done," he said.
The Communication and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Nasir's termination represented a decision made by the agency’s Board of Directors and it was implemented on several issues including the reorganisation and coordination of the agency's policies.
Nasir commented further stating his disappointment as he was not called to provide his statement if there was a mistake or offense he made.
“The Finas board members have never met me or told me anything, I should've been given a chance even once to explain any issues brought up, but it was not known.
"I think I am wronged because as an individual who led Finas, who carried out the tasks of advancing the national film industry.
“If what I do is not agreed upon, you can call me to explain myself," he said.
He admitted there was an 'insider' that was possibly not satisfied with his performance while he held the CEO post.
"It is not good, but any organisation has those with bad attitudes.
“However, if it was my fault I will admit it and fix it. If I am right and I performed the best I could, that is not an issue," Nasir said.
He commented on the failure of projects from 2015 to 2019 by 47 companies and individuals worth RM22 million and said the issue must be investigated in detail.
"I urge the MACC to investigate the cause of such funds being leaked and take appropriate actions towards the individuals involved.
"The taxpayers' money must be returned and it is appropriate for all fund recipients to use it and produce high-quality films," he said.
Finas in a statement informed Md Nasir's contract was terminated today (Thursday) and it was decided after looking at the body's need to restructure or recalibrate its policies, programmes and creative activities to produce local films.
