Need effective action to solve the PKFZ scandal

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Central Government to take drastic action to solve the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal, including taking those truly involved to court.

Dr Tan made this call on 4.10.2009 at the KL Federal Territory DAP Convention.

Creating free trade zone beside the Klang Port means that products can be sent all over the world easily. This is a good concept.

On 20.9.2001, the Treasury gave a directive to acquire the 1,ooo acre of land in Pulau Indah at RM10 per square foot. On 6.11.2002, the Cabinet resolved to buy the land at RM25 per square foot. On 23.10.2002, the Cabinet agreed to let Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB) to do landfilling and infrastructure, but it did not appoint KDSB the developer and contractor for the PKFZ. It was Port Klang Authority (PKA) that appointed KDSB.

The cost for PKFZ increased from the initial RM400 million to RM2.25 billion, and then RM4.5 Billion. If there is no effective step, it may reach RM12.5 billion.

From the Cabinet to PKA, there was scarcely any financial procedure; certain persons did as they wish. After the then Prime Minister Tun Mahathir gave the nod, those involved dealt with PKFZ as they like.

In 1983, there was RM 2.5 billion Bank Bumiputera Finance (BMF) scandal; in 1996, there was PERWAJA scandal. Now, there is PKFZ scandal.

Those involved in BMF were charged in Hong Kong and British courts. But, none were tried in Malaysian court.

With One Malaysia and priority given to the people, we see the Transport Ministry setting up committees and task force and the Cabinet also has its special task force for PKFZ. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating PKFZ.

We would like to see the Central Government do more than setting up a task force. We need effective action to solve the PKFZ scandal, including charging those involved in court.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw