In a surprise move today, the Penang branch chairperson of the Malaysian Malay Contractors Association, Mohammed Fadzill Hassan, tendered his apology to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for making various attacks on him.

He said he apologised to Lim for his remarks because Malay contractors now wanted to work closely with the state.

"We want to start a new era and resolve the problems (between us)," added Mohammed Fadzill, who was accompanied by a dozen representatives during his meeting with Lim.

NONELim (centre), who held an emergency press conference at Komtar today, said Mohammed Fadzill apologised for the statements he made, most of which were carried by the Malay press.

"His statements, made mostly in the Malay press, attacked me and the state government... we want to resolve this and start afresh," he said.

"So Fadzill has withdrawn his remarks and apologised. We accept it... this is a good development."

In his latest attack last month, Mohammed Fadzill claimed that the Malay community was only awarded projects of insignificant value.

Utusan Malaysia quoted him challenging Lim to provide details of the projects.

In response, the state government today released statistics to show that Malay contractors have been getting almost all projects given out by the Pakatan Rakyat administration.

'A victory for Malay contractors and the state'

The record showed that 94 percent of the state's Public Works Department (PWD) contracts were awarded to Malay contractors, while the Department of Drainage and Irrigation awarded all of its projects to contractors from that community.

Lim reiterated that the state government had not blacklisted any contractor. However, it took steps to ensure that those who obtained contracts were responsible and not cronies of any party.

He said this development, albeit three years late, was a victory for both Malay contractors and the state.

"We want an approach that is based on justice, quality and the best deal... where the specifications of the state government must be met," he said, adding that Malay contractors need no longer go through Umno leaders to get contracts.

Malay contractors were among the best in the country, he said, having witnessed the quality of their work.

"Only Umno contractors are making noise now (as they do not get contracts), not the Malay contractors," Lim added.