Low quits MCA, vows impartiality in PKFZ probe
Published: Jun 18, 2009 5:17 PM | Updated: Jun 18, 2009 6:03 PM
Transparency International Malaysia president Paul Low, who was appointed to head the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) ad hoc committee, today resigned as a life member of MCA.
Transparency International Malaysia president Paul Low - who was appointed to head the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) ad hoc committee - has resigned as a life member of MCA.
His decision comes a day after DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang's attack.
In a statement, Low stressed that his position and affiliations with MCA will not affect his impartiality in investigating the multi-billion ringgit scandal.
Low said he decided to resign as it was highlighted that his membership in MCA might be perceived as an impairment to his impartiality.
"TI-Malaysia is apolitical and a reputable NGO highly regarded with an international affiliation to TI international. Hence, I must observe strict ethical standards and impartiality.
"I chose to accept the appointment to head the ad hoc committee because TI-Malaysia strongly believes that it can contribute significantly to improve the system of governance and integrity in government agencies such as PKFZ," he added.
Low also assured that being the head of the committee, he will not be obliged to succumb or meet the expectations of individuals in business or politics.
"What the members of the committee and I need to ensure is that best practices and a high level of governance are put in place in PKFZ. This is the main mission of the committee.
"There may be a need to review the events highlighted by the PriceWaterhouse Coopers (PWC) report in order to get a clear understanding of the weaknesses and lapses in governance," he said.
"It is not the role of the committee to investigate individuals or parties involved directly or indirectly as such tasks is under the purview of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission," he added.
Low's credibility questioned
Yesterday, Lim asked if Transport Minister and MCA president Ong Tee Keat's decision to appoint Low as chairperson of the committee was in any way influenced by Low's links to the party.
He also questioned Low's credibility, saying that he received many emails expressing doubt over whether he will be able to successfully investigate the scandal.
Meanwhile, Low hoped that TI-Malaysia's involvement in PKFZ will be able to turn the latter into an exemplary model of integrity.
"I also hope that out of the lessons learnt, and the subsequent implementation of measures taken to enhance good governance, similar practices or reform can be replicated in other government agencies or institutions regardless of their political affiliation," he said.
The PKFZ audit report released on May 28 by PWC revealed that the project cost had ballooned from RM1.96 billion in 2001 to a staggering RM12 billion.
According to the PWC report, the astronomical figure includes mounting interest costs.
His decision comes a day after DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang's attack.
In a statement, Low stressed that his position and affiliations with MCA will not affect his impartiality in investigating the multi-billion ringgit scandal.Low said he decided to resign as it was highlighted that his membership in MCA might be perceived as an impairment to his impartiality.
"TI-Malaysia is apolitical and a reputable NGO highly regarded with an international affiliation to TI international. Hence, I must observe strict ethical standards and impartiality.
"I chose to accept the appointment to head the ad hoc committee because TI-Malaysia strongly believes that it can contribute significantly to improve the system of governance and integrity in government agencies such as PKFZ," he added.
Low also assured that being the head of the committee, he will not be obliged to succumb or meet the expectations of individuals in business or politics.
"What the members of the committee and I need to ensure is that best practices and a high level of governance are put in place in PKFZ. This is the main mission of the committee.
"There may be a need to review the events highlighted by the PriceWaterhouse Coopers (PWC) report in order to get a clear understanding of the weaknesses and lapses in governance," he said.
"It is not the role of the committee to investigate individuals or parties involved directly or indirectly as such tasks is under the purview of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission," he added.
Low's credibility questioned
Yesterday, Lim asked if Transport Minister and MCA president Ong Tee Keat's decision to appoint Low as chairperson of the committee was in any way influenced by Low's links to the party.
He also questioned Low's credibility, saying that he received many emails expressing doubt over whether he will be able to successfully investigate the scandal.Meanwhile, Low hoped that TI-Malaysia's involvement in PKFZ will be able to turn the latter into an exemplary model of integrity.
"I also hope that out of the lessons learnt, and the subsequent implementation of measures taken to enhance good governance, similar practices or reform can be replicated in other government agencies or institutions regardless of their political affiliation," he said.
The PKFZ audit report released on May 28 by PWC revealed that the project cost had ballooned from RM1.96 billion in 2001 to a staggering RM12 billion.
According to the PWC report, the astronomical figure includes mounting interest costs.
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