Rural Transformation CEO Declines Comment, Cautions Media on Unverified Claims

Following the Prime Minister’s comments, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Valentino Shal, was questioned by the media about whether he was the CEO referenced in the leaked message.  While Shal declined to comment directly on the substance of the allegations, he issued a strong caution to the media regarding the public naming of private companies in connection with unproven claims. His remarks led to a tense exchange between himself and a reporter.

Valentino Shal, CEO, Ministry of Rural Transformation: “You see, you have to be very careful here because you are calling the name of a very reputable business. And I hope they take you to court for doing that because you are making an assertion about some impropriety on their part. Correct? And I’m not sure why you would do that. Benny’s is a big supplier of a lot of matters…..

Reporter: You’re the only one who’s gone the legal route and as a media person you should know that we have the right when there is something in the public domain for us to do our jobs. That’s what I’m doing. Other people we have interviewed have responded to that question and they have not chosen to go the legal route as you did. 

Valentino Shal, CEO, Ministry of Rural Transformation:  “No, so you’re asking about a very reputable company.”

Reporter: If you’ve done your due diligence and check because people are human and there can be corruption, there can be things that you may not know are happening. 

Valentino Shal, CEO, Ministry of Rural Transformation: “Absolutely. There may be, but I’m not aware of any such thing.”

Reporter: I asked if anyone called. 

Valentino Shal, CEO, Ministry of Rural Transformation: “If there are, if somebody brings credible information to us, we are obligated to look into it. But nobody has brought any credible information to us about any such thing.”