SHAH ALAM, 25 Aug: The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, stressed that there is nothing suspicious regarding the out of court settlement in connection with his personal loan with Bank Islam.

Speaking in front of civil servants at the Selangor State Department Monthly Assembly today, he said that the solution was done in a transparent manner without any benefit given to any individual.

He said that legal action has been taken against those found to be involved in the dissemination of false information on the case.

“Too many accusations have been thrown at me, including the issue of my personal loan. Although I do not like to mix personal business with work, the accusations against me also tarnish the workings of the Selangor Government.

“I have already taken legal action against those involved, where I think that I will let the legal process carry out to clear my name,” he said at the Silver Jubilee Hall this morning.

Commenting further, Abdul Khalid said that banking transactions are defined under the custody of Bank Negara, therefore he suggested for parties who are unsatisfied with the transaction to write a letter asking Bank Negara to conduct an audit.

He said that the details of the loan cannot be disclosed as banking institutions are bound by the Banking and Financial Institutions Act (BAFIA) and have to be kept secret from public knowledge.

“Those who have worked in the investment and finance industry should be disciplined where banking secrets cannot be divulged to the public.

“Banks have the BAFIA law that gives power to banks or Bank Negara to summon and arrest those who spread secrets.

“Just like when we keep money in the bank, it must be a secret because if it is not a secret, it will cause people to not believe in banks,” he added.

NS