LETTER | Zero tolerance for HRD Corp's mismanagement

LETTER | The Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) has been in the limelight recently for the wrong reasons.

The Auditor-General’s Report 2024, based upon an audit for the 2019-2023 period, has revealed the mismanagement of hundreds of millions of ringgit involving training grants, investments, and property purchases.

To make matters worse, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had reportedly identified suspicious real estate deals and high-risk investments by HRD Corp apparently utilising levy contributions from employers.

It is important to note that employers make levy contributions for the training and upskilling of their employees, not for HRD Corp to make investments. Indeed, HRD Corp is not meant to be an investment institution.

What is most shocking and rather suspicious (possible foul play) is that more than RM50 million in training grants were reportedly disbursed to the same individuals multiple times.

Based upon the AG’s Report and the findings of the PAC, it is reasonable to conclude that HRD Corp has been negatively impacted by gross mismanagement, abuse of power, and either the lack of adequate internal controls or too many “yes-persons” more interested in job security and promotions.

Additionally, my sources in HRD Corp have highlighted the fact that too much power is apparently concentrated in the hands of the CEO.

Our current prime minister has always championed good governance, transparency, and accountability. He has also declared zero tolerance for corruption.

Hence, no stone should be left unturned by the government to launch a thorough investigation and to nail the culprits responsible for the deplorable state of affairs in HRD Corp without fear or favour.

To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the CEO of HRD Corp should rightfully and honourably go on garden leave.

In this regard, I am reminded of the famous saying by former US president Harry S Truman, “The buck stops here.”

To conclude, firm action must be taken against HRD Corp’s management for the identified irregularities, abuse of power, and possible corrupt practices.

We need to send a strong and clear message that managerial incompetence and abuse of power in government agencies shall be firmly and promptly dealt with.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.