Administrative Reforms Commission chairman post: ‘I have not gone after anyone for the post’; let official confirmation come, says M.K. Muneer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader M.K. Muneer has responded to reports that he may be appointed chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission. He said he came to know about the matter through newspapers and that there had been no Cabinet briefing on it. Muneer said he could comment on the appointment only after Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan officially confirms it.

He also made it clear that he had not approached anyone seeking the post. “I have not gone after anyone for the post,” he said. Muneer added that he had no role in the Cabinet decision and that there was no need for him to be informed about what the Cabinet decides.

He said the appointment could be officially confirmed only after the Cabinet decision is made public or an appointment order is issued.

Muneer declined to comment on UDF convener Adoor Prakash’s criticism that the UDF had not discussed the decision to give two Cabinet-level posts. “That is not my issue. I am not the person to decide whether it should be discussed or not,” he said.

“Everyone has the freedom to express their opinion,” Muneer said. He also said he was unaware whether the Congress had staked a claim to the chairmanship of the Administrative Reforms Commission.