The company’s chairman, Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, said a special committee comprising the board of directors has been set up to investigate Nizam.

Tajuddin said a show-cause letter had been issued to Nizam on Nov 27 and the latter had since replied. “He was also told to go on leave following allegations of misconduct and insubordination,” Tajuddin said at a press conference.

Tajuddin said suspensions were “normal” in such cases.

He said he had initially decided to refrain from commenting after speculation arose about Nizam’s status, but was now compelled to explain the matter since reports of the suspension had surfaced.

Government-owned Prasarana owns and operates the Rapid LRT lines in Kuala Lumpur and bus lines in Selangor, Penang, Perak and Pahang.

The company has figured in news reports about a dispute with MRCB-George Kent, the main contractor for the LRT3 project.

Tajuddin went on to express his disappointment with Nizam attacking him in the media. “It is unprofessional to highlight internal matters to the public.”

Nizam’s suspension was reported by The Vibe news portal on Dec 8. It said the suspension was linked to Nizam’s “testy relationship” at the leadership level since Tajuddin was appointed chairman.

Tajuddin is an Umno supreme council member and the party’s election director. He is also MP for Pasir Salak. He was appointed as Prasarana chairman in May.