Tiong gives Transparency International 24 hrs or else...
S PathmawathyPublished: Sep 24, 2009 5:26 PM | Updated: Sep 24, 2009 9:22 PM
Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) has been given 24 hours to substantiate its claims that Umno politicians are involved in the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.
The corruption watchdog asked to substantiate allegations on PKFZ or face legal action.
Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) has been given 24 hours to substantiate its claims that Umno politicians are involved in the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.
Issuing the ultimatum was BN Backbenchers Club chief Tiong King Sing, who expressed dissatisfaction with the report that alleged PKFZ was biggest scandal of the year.
Corruption index watchdog chairperson Paul Low (right) stated yesterday after launching the 'Global Corruption Report 2009: Corruption and the Private Sector' that corruption is rampantly practised in the country because of inaction despite numerous complaints.
In the report, TI-M highlighted said that there was a complex network of individuals involved (in the PKFZ project), including politicians from Umno, officials from the transport ministry, Port Klang Authority (PKA) officials and Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd.
"He (Low) claims to be transparent and fair, but these are two basic things that he has not achieved himself, said Tiong.
Tiong, who is also the chief operating officer of Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd, turnkey developer of PKFZ, said that Low had made statements without thorough checks into the issue.
"The cabinet has formed a task force and I am glad that the prime minister took the lead by bringing up the issue to be investigated... and I have faith in the task committee to provide answers to the public, said Tiong.
Tiong blasted Low for not submitting facts and figures to backup his statements and said that the report was intended to cast aspersions in the minds of investors looking to invest in Malaysia.
'What were guidelines used?'
"Firstly, before unveiling the report, they should talk to all the parties involved... besides the PKFZ matter is now being handled in court, (until a decision is reached) can you condemn the person or the organisation?" he asked.
Based on what standards or guidelines did they rate corruption in the country? Under what guideline are they saying Malaysia is more corrupt than Indonesia? Under what basis PKFZ was described to be most problematic?" Tiong (right) said.
"Why (is not) the minister (involved) not mentioned for his failure to perform? But all this issues were not highlighted," said Tiong.
Tiong added that if no response is given by TI-M by tomorrow, he does not rule out legal action being taken against the watchdog.
"How can you (TI-M) penalise a person who has not even been convicted in court... Low has manipulated the issue.
"We can take issues like corruption and stir it up for personal gains... (this image) will result in foreign investors losing confidence in us... so if you say the public has lost its confidence, then you should also suggest how we can improve," said Tiong.
Issuing the ultimatum was BN Backbenchers Club chief Tiong King Sing, who expressed dissatisfaction with the report that alleged PKFZ was biggest scandal of the year.
Corruption index watchdog chairperson Paul Low (right) stated yesterday after launching the 'Global Corruption Report 2009: Corruption and the Private Sector' that corruption is rampantly practised in the country because of inaction despite numerous complaints. In the report, TI-M highlighted said that there was a complex network of individuals involved (in the PKFZ project), including politicians from Umno, officials from the transport ministry, Port Klang Authority (PKA) officials and Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd.
"He (Low) claims to be transparent and fair, but these are two basic things that he has not achieved himself, said Tiong.
Tiong, who is also the chief operating officer of Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd, turnkey developer of PKFZ, said that Low had made statements without thorough checks into the issue.
"The cabinet has formed a task force and I am glad that the prime minister took the lead by bringing up the issue to be investigated... and I have faith in the task committee to provide answers to the public, said Tiong.
Tiong blasted Low for not submitting facts and figures to backup his statements and said that the report was intended to cast aspersions in the minds of investors looking to invest in Malaysia.
'What were guidelines used?'
"Firstly, before unveiling the report, they should talk to all the parties involved... besides the PKFZ matter is now being handled in court, (until a decision is reached) can you condemn the person or the organisation?" he asked.
Based on what standards or guidelines did they rate corruption in the country? Under what guideline are they saying Malaysia is more corrupt than Indonesia? Under what basis PKFZ was described to be most problematic?" Tiong (right) said. "Why (is not) the minister (involved) not mentioned for his failure to perform? But all this issues were not highlighted," said Tiong.
Tiong added that if no response is given by TI-M by tomorrow, he does not rule out legal action being taken against the watchdog.
"How can you (TI-M) penalise a person who has not even been convicted in court... Low has manipulated the issue.
"We can take issues like corruption and stir it up for personal gains... (this image) will result in foreign investors losing confidence in us... so if you say the public has lost its confidence, then you should also suggest how we can improve," said Tiong.
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