The commission was set up in 1976

The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is refusing to comment until an internal inquiry has been completed.

Dr Ally was appointed to the �40,000 job running the commission's newly revamped body in Wales two years ago.

An expert in Islamic affairs, he had previously been an academic at Lampeter University.

A CRE Wales spokeswoman confirmed on Thursday that Dr Ally had been told to stay away from work while the investigation was carried out.

Although details about the alleged misconduct are unknown, Dr Ally has not been at his desk for more than a week.

Investigation begins

Speaking to BBC Wales on Thursday, he said he did not know what the allegations made against him consisted of, but said he was upset and concerned to have been suspended.

It is understood there may have been complaints that he has abused his power over staff.

There are also concerns in the wider ethnic community over the handling of grant aid to entrepreneurs.

Race Equality Commissioner for Wales Cherry Short has urged Dr Ally's critics to wait for the result of an internal investigation, which will begin shortly.

In the meantime, a spokesman revealed that Andrew Housely, a regional commissioner based in Birmingham, would take over Dr Ally's responsibilities.

The CRE - who said it would be making no further comment - is a publicly funded, non-governmental body which was set up under the Race Relations Act 1976 to tackle racial discrimination and promote racial equality.