The state government is to form a special committee to investigate the controversial multi-storey Penang Hill car park, which critics have described as only fit to hold small Perodua Kancil cars.

The committee will be headed by former state Public Works Department director Shahawai Awang, with members to include Penang Architects Association president Lawrence Lim Huan Kwang and former Penang branch chairperson of the Institute of Engineers Malaysia, Lim Kok Khong.

"This independent committee is necessary so that action can be taken against those responsible for the weaknesses (of the building). There will also be a third independent opinion on how to resolve the issue," Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng told reporters in Penang today.

NONEThe setting up of the committee and its terms of reference would be decided at the state executive council meeting today, Lim said.

The the car park became a major issue after Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, saying Lim should be held accountable for the project.

Tan said he was suspicious that the state government under Lim, the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Penang Island Municipal Council may have "misused their powers" and wrongly channelled funds allocated to the project.

Lim has denied the claims, saying the project was approved in 2007 by the previous BN state government and the Tourism Ministry.

He is also suing Umno-owned Malay language daily Utusan Malaysia for reporting that his administration swindled RM50 million from an "illegal" car park building when the cost of the project was only RM5 million.

Lim also said his earlier statements on the matter were based on information from a statement issued by Penang Development Corporation general manager Rosli Jaafar, who said the RM5 million project was sponsored by the federal government.

Project approved by BN government

The project was approved by the state executive council in 2007, and was later handed over to PDC Consultancy Sdn Bhd, said Rosli, who is also the company's manager.

"As it involved PDC Consultancy in 2007, Lim, the new PDC chairperson after March 2008, was not asked to give his approval, nor was he informed about the project," Rosli had said.

NONELim said Rosli (left) had apologised for all the complications related to the project and said he would try to iron out the problems immediately.

"But an independent investigative committee will still be formed to ensure our accountability and transparency... the Pakatan Rakyat government has nothing to hide," he added.

Lim said there were weaknesses in the design of the car park, which did not meet international standards and could jeopardise the safety of users.

He said PDC Consultancy had immediately tried to rectify the situation.

"PDC Consultancy is prepared to face any action taken against it if there are any mistakes and weaknesses arising out of the project," he said.

Lim said corrective steps based on site reports would be taken to ensure that the six bus lanes and 112 car parking lots could operate properly on the 0.62-acre land at the foot of the popular tourist spot.

PDC would also comply with the chief minister's order and adhere to all city council guidelines before it opens the car park to ensure public safety, he added