No pension for resigned Haddad - official

AMMAN — A senior official told The Jordan Times on Thursday that Malek Haddad, who served as transport minister for less than 24 hours, would not be receiving any ministerial title nor a pension.

A Royal Decree was issued on Thursday approving the resignation of Haddad as of September 29, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Haddad was appointed minister on Wednesday and was sworn in on the same day before His Majesty King Abdullah along with a 30-member Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Hani Mulki.

Ministers usually receive a life-time pension regardless of the period of service.

The official said this is due to the fact that Haddad had a court verdict issued against him “although it was a long time ago and despite the fact that he was pardoned”.

The source said the verdict had political implications related to the nature of the crime “that had to do with women’s rights”.

Sources close to Haddad said he received a five-year jail sentence after a court convicted him in the 1980s.

Another source told The Jordan Times that a special pardon was issued then in the case.

Haddad worked as director general of Jordan Express Tourist Transportation (JETT) and founded the Tourism Transport Association in 2010.