Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek pointed out that taking voluntary leave of absence during an investigation was not a rule under the Federal Constitution.

“I don’t think there is a rule saying that one has to take leave during an investigation.

“Our principle is that a person is innocent unless proven guilty in court,” Ahmad Shabery said at a press conference at the Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang (LPP) building here today.

“If taking leave becomes a norm among the country’s leaders, it will cause a lot of uncertainty in the country’s governance. It is not appropriate in the context of our country.”

Ahmad Shabery also pointed out that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who allegedly underpaid for a bungalow in Penang, should be the first person to take a leave of absence if that was the case.

“But we still say that they are innocent until proven guilty, hence there is no need for a leave of absence.”

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd’s board of directors are reviewing a report after the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said Nazir received USD7 million in funds that were transferred to his personal bank account from his elder brother, Najib, before the country’s 2013 election.

The bank’s review of procedures, which will be done with assistance from independent accounting firm Ernst & Young, is expected to be completed in a few weeks.