The multi-billion ringgit Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) fiasco has evolved into an issue that will affect the government and nation’s integrity in the international economic arena.
The actions taken by the government and the final outcome, whether the probe has been transparent and sincere, will determine foreign investors’ continued confidence in Malaysia as a premier business destination.
The government, therefore, must allow the police or MACC to take appropriate action against anyone, including those holding high office. The police or MACC must treat all new allegations or documentary evidence that arises in their ongoing probe with seriousness and without fear or favour.
Failing to do so is a disservice to the government’s image and the battle against corruption.
Society will be affected by the gloomy investment climate in the country, caused by a loss in confidence in those tasked with upholding justice for all.
The latest development in the PKFZ issue is the alleged involvement of Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong. Wee, who is the MCA Youth chief, has denied any link to the PKFZ project but admitted he is a former shareholder of consultancy firm Hijau Sekitar Sdn Bhd.
Wee claimed Hijau Sekitar and four other firms were engaged by Wijaya Baru Sdn Bhd to produce a feasibility study on port expansions in Klang.
By his admission, he has thoroughly implicated his involvement in the PKFZ fiasco. He would be an important useful witness for the investigation.
Wijaya Baru is controlled by tycoon and Bintulu member of Parliament Tiong King Sing who also controls PKFZ’s turnkey contractor Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd.
Wee’s statement is both contradictory and grossly misleading the ‘rakyat’ because surveying in commercial terms is hawking around for opportunities.
Bees don’t gather in a garbage dump, they are attracted to anything sweet and fragrant. I wonder why private companies carried out the survey on the port and not the Port Klang Authority.
The public feels that there are lots of hidden material facts or evidences which may surface to enhance the PKFZ investigation.
The government and both the prime minister and deputy prime minister have assured the rakyat that nothing would be swept under the carpet in its pursuit to bring to book the culprits responsible for the fiasco.
We must support the prime minister and government’s political will to fight corruption.
Given the public and international interest in the PKFZ issue, the police and MACC must step up their probe and get to the bottom of the allegations hurled at a deputy minister.
The writer is chairperson Social Care Foundation, panel member, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission advisory panel (MACC) and exco member, Malaysian Crime Foundation.
