17 Sept 2019

Is Minister unaware of RM450 million deal? Police, MACC should investigate

In a letter purportedly written by the Finance Ministry which has gone viral, it was stated that a project to the value of RM450 million had been approved through direct negotiation. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng tried to slither away with the rhetoric of whether he was the one who signed the letter. This is unacceptable and irresponsible behaviour.

If Lim Guan Eng can be unaware of RM450 million project, what is he aware of?

On the other hand, while Lim Guan Eng formulates his explanation, the police and MACC should be proactive and commence investigations immediately, not on how the letter was leaked, but more importantly, any evidence which suggests the abuse of power taking place in the procurement of this project.

The people need to know is the letter authentic? Is Lim Guan Eng aware of this RM450 million deal? If he is not aware, then how and when is the Finance Minister supposed to know about the projects approved by his officials? Also, are Ministry officials authorised to sign deals that the Minister is unaware of, especially when it involves such an immense sum of money?

An appointed Minister carries the responsibility to oversee and manage the ministry operations, and in this case, to ensure the people’s funds are allocated in the right places; if said Minister cannot even bother to keep himself updated, and is perpetually oblivious to what is happening in his turf, it is a betrayal for the hopes and trust deposited by the rakyat.

When questioned by reporters on this matter, Lim Guan Eng did not dare to answer directly whether he approved the document, but diverts the attention to the supposedly large number of officials authorised to sign documents, all in a bid to buy time.

Dare I predict, the Finance Minister’s reply will end up being along the lines of “this was approved by BN”, “it was a Cabinet decision, but I’m personally against it”, “I don’t know”, or even the infamous “ask the Prime Minister”.

Regardless of his response, we hope that the police and the MACC can work with the resources and materials at hand to initiate investigations, but with the correct mindset; the critical importance here is not who uploaded this document, but the content and context of the letter, because this is what the people want to know.

Nicole Wong Siaw Ting

MCA Youth National Chairperson

-MCA online-