Religion and Islamic Education, Industry, Rural and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Asmuni Awi said Koon had already been appointed as one of the state economic advisers a few months ago.
“The exco approved his appointment as one of the advisory panel members some months back,” he said.
It was reported in Utusan Online on July 26 that Koon was one of the seven appointed as members of the Perak State Economic Advisers Council.
However, Asmuni said he had no information on any alleged interference by the palace in the matter.
State Education, Technology, Science and Environment Committee chairman Abdul Aziz Bari said the claim was something new and was never discussed by the state executive council.
“This is the first time I’m hearing this.
“I have never met him personally to this day. I am not even sure if he is an adviser.
“I know he has always been a supporter of Pakatan Harapan but other than that, I don’t know,” he told FMT.
Earlier today, Koon, 85, a former civil engineer who co-founded construction giant IJM Corporation Bhd, claimed in a statement that his appointment as the Perak state economic adviser was stopped at the instruction of the palace.
He claimed this was over an article he posted, namely “Is title so important?” in which he alleged businessmen had paid for titles.
“The Perak sultan has absolutely no right under the Federal Constitution to stop my appointment.
“He cannot tell the Perak menteri besar and our political leaders how to manage their duties and what to do because I am fully qualified to help improve Perak’s economy.”
However, the Perak Royal Council has denied the claim.
A member of the council, Annuar Zaini, told FMT today that Sultan Nazrin Shah never interfered in any appointment related to the state administration.
No appointment letter, says Koon Yew Yin
When contacted, Koon said he had yet to receive his appointment letter as a state economic adviser, despite having an aide to the menteri besar contacting him recently.
“The MB’s secretary rang me for my postal address so that she could post my appointment letter.
“Up to date, I have not received the appointment letter. If I have been appointed, why have I not been asked to attend any meetings?”