Awema scandal: Naz Malik and Saquib Zia are dismissed Awema scandal: Naz Malik and Saquib Zia are dismissed

 The sackings of Naz Malik and Saquib Zia were announced by the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (Awema). The charity has been at the centre of allegations of financial irregularities and bullying. Awema's funding was halted by the Welsh government after a damning report. A statement on the Awema website by its chair Dr Rita Austin said an administrator would also be appointed to take over control of Awema's business and assets from the charity trustees, and close the business. Awema's decision follows the Welsh government internal audit services report from 9 February which terminated all grants of public funds to the charity. Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote Clearly there have been serious failings in the effectiveness of governance and financial management within Awema” Dr Rita Austin Awema chair Dr Austin said: "The Awema board would like to thank its staff for the dedicated service they have provided to several hundred participants registered with European funded Awema managed projects in Swansea and surrounding local authority areas, and in north Wales, especially in these last difficult weeks. "Staff members are in active contact with participants and will do their best to ensure that support services to them continue through other means. "The Awema board is resolved to provide a proper duty of care towards our staff as Awema moves towards closure, and is taking all necessary steps to do so." "Finally, the Awema board wishes to acknowledge the gravity of the matters brought to public attention in the... internal audit services report. "Clearly there have been serious failings in the effectiveness of governance and financial management within Awema upon which the Welsh government has acted, and upon which, in consequence, the Awema board now act, with all due speed, one week later." 'Lack of oversight' Mr Malik has indicated that he will not be conducting any interviews following his dismissal. Speaking on BBC Radio Wales last Friday, Mr Zia, who had been suspended from the charity, said he had raised concerns about Awema with its board members. The report into Awema had said there was a "complete lack of oversight of the financial processes and controls" by Mr Malik. It said charity funds were used to pay for gym memberships for staff worth £2,120, £800 was spent on rugby and cricket tickets and a £110 parking fine for Mr Malik was paid. It also said there was a "clear conflict of interest" because one of the charity's directors reporting to Mr Malik was his daughter Tegwen. There were "considerable increases" in her salary from £20,469 to £50,052. An earlier report, commissioned by the charity's trustees, had said Mr Malik used funds inappropriately and paid off credit card debts worth £9,340. It also alleged that his salary was increased to £65,719 without approval from the board.