Who hacked into the Energy Ministry’s computer system server recently and obtained sensitive information?
That’s the question Opposition Senator Wade Mak has called on Government to answer.
Speaking in yesterday’s 2017 budget debate in the Senate, Mark said the Opposition had learnt the ministry’s server was hacked into and a probe was done by the ministry’s Information Specialist Division and a high-ranking official attached to the minister’s office.
Mark said the server had sensitive information on it on energy sector operations, including the hiring of the Petrotrin chief executive officer. Taking issue with that hiring, Mark said there were allegations that Petrotrin chairman Andrew Jupiter may have “irregularly employed” CEO Fitzroy Harewood in 2015.
He said the CEO selection process “may have been less than transparent with a selected candidate and may not have followed the standards and acceptable recruitment process by a well respected and well established human resource expert.”
Mark said information revealed that over 40 candidates applied in response to a public ad posted by the contracted professional recruiter.
“There is evidence to suggest the selected CEO was not among those who applied and his name wasn’t included among the six shortlisted candidates submitted by the recruiter.
“We have the evidence. His name was neither included among the additional seven candidates or individuals of potential interest, nor was his name shortlisted among the remaining 27 candidates,” he added.
Mark called on Jupiter and Government to supply answers on Harewood’s employment. He later told reporters if the matter wasn’t explained soon, the UNC would reveal its information on the issue.
Mark also raised questions about five local companies he claimed were seeking to buy the 49 per cent stake in TSTT, where Government has majority shareholding. The shares are currently owned by Liberty Global, a US giant.
He claimed the five local firms in the TSTT issue include the Massy group, ANSA McAL and Unit Trust Corporation.
“The processs is shrouded in secrecy and absence of transparency,” Mark said, calling for disclosure on who Government will be “encouraging” Liberty Global to sell its shares to.