A Malaysian minister said yesterday she will step down amid accusations that her family misused a RM250 million (S$104 million) government loan meant for a cattle project to purchase condominiums, vacations and a Mercedes.
The scandal emerged last year after the Auditor-General's annual report said the National Feedlot Centre run by Ms Shahrizat's family had not met its goal of making the country 40 per cent self-sufficient in beef production by 2010.
The minister said her resignation was not related to the cattle project run by her husband and three children. She was said she was stepping down as a "responsible member of the government" after her term as senator ends next month.
Ms Shahrizat's family has denied any wrongdoing, saying the company was allowed to use the loan at its discretion and that the properties would earn it rental income.
Police have recommended that the company's directors be charged with criminal breach of trust but the Attorney-General has asked police to conduct further investigations.
Mr Najib said Ms Shahrizat's resignation was a sacrifice in the interest of the government and party.
"Although there is no proof so far that she had committed any offence in terms of law, because the (project) has drawn controversy and dispute, she was willing to withdraw from the government," he said.
Sources:BBC News
Channel NewsAsia
TODAYonline
FT.com
The scandal emerged last year after the Auditor-General's annual report said the National Feedlot Centre run by Ms Shahrizat's family had not met its goal of making the country 40 per cent self-sufficient in beef production by 2010.
The minister said her resignation was not related to the cattle project run by her husband and three children. She was said she was stepping down as a "responsible member of the government" after her term as senator ends next month.
Ms Shahrizat's family has denied any wrongdoing, saying the company was allowed to use the loan at its discretion and that the properties would earn it rental income.
Police have recommended that the company's directors be charged with criminal breach of trust but the Attorney-General has asked police to conduct further investigations.
Mr Najib said Ms Shahrizat's resignation was a sacrifice in the interest of the government and party.
"Although there is no proof so far that she had committed any offence in terms of law, because the (project) has drawn controversy and dispute, she was willing to withdraw from the government," he said.
Sources:
Channel NewsAsia
TODAYonline
FT.com
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