Former Port Klang Authority general manager OC Phang was today blamed for the cost escalation for the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson Azmi Khalid said the financial management of Phang and her team were 'weak and poor'.

NONE He said that no cash flow projection was made for the project. Such a projection could have ensured there was enough income to repay the loan, he added.

"She doesn't even know what we mean by cash flow projection," said Azmi.

He was talking to reporters today after PAC had questioned Phang on her role in the PKFZ scandal.

The inquiry was held between 10am to 2.30pm at a meeting room in Parliament.

Azmi also said that Phang told the committee that she had retired in 2008, by the time the PKFZ scandal blew up.

He added that she nevertheless admitted that she had to bear the responsibility for the project as she was the general manager.

"Whether she is wrong or not, it is another story," added Azmi.

Some details forgotten

He also said that Phang had given the committee full co-operation although she was unable to recall certain things.

However he declined to reveal the ‘forgotten' details but said they will be included in the final report.

Azmi also said that the PAC didn't interview Phang on allegations that she bypassed the board of directors to make decisions pertaining to the PKFZ.

She was also not asked about developer Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd's high claims of RM1.4 billion for the project.

He said that these questions were better left for the task force set up by Transport Ministry to handle.

Phang meanwhile refused to talk to reporters after her session with the PAC members.

"Please let me to go," she said when photographers surrounded her to take photographs.

PAC will be questioning two former PKA chairpersons - Ting Chew Peh and Yap Pian Hon.

PKFZ, an integrated 400ha free commercial and industrial zone adjacent to Port Klang housing various facilities such as a warehouse, an office block and a four-star hotel, is embroiled in a controversy after it was revealed that the development cost has shot up from RM2.5 billion to RM4.6 billion.