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Monday April 28, 2008

Khir: Balkis was not exclusive

By EDWARD RAJENDRA


SHAH ALAM: Membership in the Wives of Selangor Assemblymen and MPs Welfare and Charity Organisation (Balkis) was open to everyone and not limited to the wives of Barisan Nasional elected representatives.

Former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said, however, that membership was not automatic.

“Applications received are subject to approval by the organisation’s core committee at the annual general meeting,” he said, adding that the Balkis constitution was silent on the political leanings of the applicant.

Dr Khir added that Balkis operated in a transparent manner with members allowed to bring forth ideas to help underprivileged groups in the state, and it served as a sanctuary for wayward young women.

Final say: Zahrah showing the two-page statement which she read from during the press conference in Shah Alam.

“The RM9.9mil in the Balkis bank account transferred to the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti), was done in accordance with the organisation’s constitution and accounted for, as the auditor had finalised the 2007 accounts,” he said.

“If Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim is not satisfied with the detailed explanation given, he can refer the matter to our lawyers Sallehudin and Co.

“What has been done was in accordance with the regulations. The Selangor government must take a look at the (Balkis) constitution before coming out with allegations.

“Bakti has signed a letter confirming that it received the money. What the (state) government is doing now is a smear campaign, so all this rubbish talk must stop.”

Earlier, former Balkis president Datin Zahrah Kechik, reading from prepared text at a press conference, said the meeting was to negate baseless accusations hurled against Balkis.

“If further allegations are made, we the former office bearers will not hesitate to initiate legal action,” she said.

She refused to take questions and said another press conference would be convened to answer questions.

Zahrah rejected the olive branch offered by Khalid on Saturday – that she withdraw the application to dissolve the organisation and return the RM9.9mil to its coffers – for the matter to be settled.

Meanwhile, senior state executive councillor for Investment, Industry and Commerce Teresa Kok said Zahrah should not dodge the issue pertaining to the transfer of the RM9.9mil from the Balkis account.

“Just give back the money and withdraw the application to dissolve Balkis. Yes, Zahrah said to go ahead with legal action but it is going to be bad for her and the most sane thing to do is end the episode by returning the money,” Kok said after attending a singing event in Klang.

Meanwhile in Ipoh, Baiduri (the Perak Barisan Nasional State Assemblymen's Wives' Association) clarified that its name change was approved by the Registrar of Societies and the association's own legal adviser, and not the state legal adviser.

Baiduri president Datin Seri Kamariah Mokri had said the association would not be dissolved as it had already amended its constitution before the general election, specifying that only wives of Barisan assemblymen could be members.

Earlier stories:
Did Balkis have the right to move out the RM9.9m
RM9.9mil belongs to Balkis
Selangor Government to seek legal advice on Balkis affair
Disabled group: Easier to get aid from Balkis
Return cash, Khir's wife told

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