Ex-HRDF CEO might not be able to move on with life just yet

Former Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) chief executive officer CM Vignaesvaran might have been cleared of one case of wrongdoing by the MACC, but there are other cases pending against him.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki (above) has confirmed that there are still cases open against Vignaesvaran for alleged abuse of power and corrupt practices.

“We have cleared him in one case only. Several investigations were opened against him," said Azam according to a report in The Malaysian Insight.

Azam was unable to confirm the exact details saying: “I need to check with the public prosecutor on which case that has been dropped.”

It is learnt that MACC had notified Vignaesvaran that the case against him has been classified as “No Further Action” in a letter dated Feb 5.

Yesterday, Vignaesvaran told Malaysiakini he welcomed the MACC's decision to clear him of any wrongdoing.

“I am happy that after almost two years of agony, this has come to an end,” he said in a text message, before going on to thank the authorities for being professional and fair with regard to the investigation.

“I just want to move on with life and hope to be appointed to some position,” he added on his future plans.

Today, Vignaesvaran (below) told Malaysiakini he was very surprised by this latest development.

"I don't know what to say - I have the letter saying I am cleared and the files are closed. I thought that was the end of it and I can move on with my life after these two years," he said.

He added that he was trying to contact the MACC for further information.

In June 2018, a month after Pakatan Harapan won the general election, HRDF, which is under the purview of the Human Resources Ministry, announced that Vignaesvaran had tendered his resignation.

At the time, HRDF landed in the media spotlight due to claims of alleged misappropriation of RM300 million in funds.

According to Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran in November 2018, “millions” in HRDF money had been diverted to purchase properties and pay salaries and bonuses of a select few.

In some cases, this was done without the knowledge of the fund’s board of directors.

He also claimed that several training providers and certain HRDF management personnel had misused the fund under the guise of training.