KUALA LUMPUR | March [JL], 2025 – Ottrangknews Chief Editor and prominent activist, Dato G Kumaar Aamaan, has strongly criticized Human Resources Minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, for defending HRD Corp CEO, Datuk Shahul Hameed Dawood. Steven Sim previously stated, “Every individual is considered innocent until proven guilty,” when responding to allegations of misappropriation within HRD Corp.
Dato G Kumaar Aamaan slammed the statement as “childish” and irresponsible. He emphasized that a minister is not merely a lawyer in court but must ensure transparency and accountability in government agencies.
> “The people do not want easy excuses. They want clear answers and firm action regarding the billions of ringgit in question,” he said.
Financial Scandal: RM51.69 Million in Training Funds & RM3.77 Billion in Dubious Investments
The HRD Corp controversy has intensified after reports from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Auditor-General revealed several financial irregularities, including:
Suspicious disbursement of RM51.69 million in training funds.
Large investments in listed companies linked to influential individuals.
Approval of levy applications after training had already been conducted, violating standard procedures.
Advance payments of nearly 60% for a RM202.5 million property transaction, which was eventually canceled.
> “If no one is guilty, then tell the people—where did the money go? Why were these suspicious investment decisions made? The people deserve more than just the excuse of ‘innocent until proven guilty,’” Dato G Kumaar Aamaan stressed.
Shahul Hameed Expected to Step Down Amid Scandal
Internal reports indicate that HRD Corp CEO, Datuk Shahul Hameed Dawood, is set to leave his position after serving for five years. However, details regarding his departure remain unclear—whether his contract is expiring or he is stepping down early due to mounting pressure from the scandal.
Some sources have disclosed that Shahul’s successor has already been identified, but no official announcement has been made by the government or HRD Corp so far. Attempts to obtain comments from Shahul and HRD Corp were unsuccessful, while Minister Steven Sim has also remained silent without any official statement.
HRD Corp, which manages levy collections from over 800,000 employers for workforce training programs, has faced criticism since July 2024, following PAC and Auditor-General reports exposing non-transparent RM3.77 billion investments and loss-making stock transactions.
MACC Must Act – The People Will Not Stay Silent!
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) previously launched an investigation into HRD Corp, which led to Shahul being suspended in mid-2024. However, in November, Minister Steven Sim announced that Shahul was reinstated, as no charges were filed against any HRD Corp officials.
Yet, with reports that Shahul is now stepping down, many questions remain unanswered.
Dato G Kumaar Aamaan insisted that this issue must not be allowed to fade away and urged MACC to continue its investigations into those involved.
> “The government cannot allow this scandal to be swept under the rug without answers. The people are watching, and we will not let this matter be forgotten,” he declared.