‘I am distressed at being dragged into controversies; I want to maintain relationships’

KOZHIKODE: Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Dr M K Muneer said that he was distressed at being dragged into controversies over his appointment as chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission. He questioned how such an order could have been issued without a decision from the UDF, and said he believed the issue must have been discussed within the UDF. He said this in an interview with a private television channel.

His words
‘I’ve not received any information about how such a decision was taken. It was only late last night that the chief minister informed me that a decision had been taken to appoint me as chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission, although the decision had not yet been officially announced. I had received information about this earlier, but there was no confirmation. That is why I told the media yesterday that there should be an official confirmation first.

Many decisions cannot be taken as quickly as we may expect. When there is a coalition system, several consultations are required within the alliance. Sometimes, even if something is discussed, it may not be possible to implement it immediately. That is the nature of our system. It is also part of the democratic process. I believe that may be why the decision was delayed.

I have not commented anywhere on this issue. I have not asked anyone for anything. After all, there are many areas in which we can work, and I have been thinking only about those rather than about a post or office.’

Muneer also responded to criticism from opposition parties regarding the appointment. He said he was distressed at being dragged into controversies. Personally, it is difficult for me to assume any post by creating a crisis. More than anything else, I want to maintain relationships,’ Muneer added.

He said that whenever he was entrusted with a responsibility in the past, he had discharged it properly. Whenever a responsibility has been entrusted to me, I have carried it out sincerely. The departments I handled in the past did not have any particular connection with me. But once I was given the responsibility, I discharged it in a manner that benefited as many people as possible without causing problems for them. I will continue to do the same.

I am presently examining and studying all the reports of the previous Administrative Reforms Commission, he said.