The government must disclose details of a solar plant that it is said to have approved and awarded to wholly-owned government company 1Malaysia Development Fund, despite its "dubious" record.

Citing "reliable" tip-offs,  PKR's Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar said the 50 megawatt "pilot project" could occupy 500 acres of land in Kedah and was awarded through direct tender.

She urged the government to come clean about the viability of the project and 1MDB's expertise in this area, as it has direct impact on the nation’s coffers.

Nurul Izzah said it is difficult to know the value of the tender, as it is uncertain what assistance will be provided to 1MDB.

"We also deserve to know who is the technological partner or provider to 1MDB, to ascertain the extent of risk exposure for 1MDB ...

"Without any guaranteed offtake, and having to compete against conventional fuels, the 50 MW solar plant project could cost up to RM900 million.”

She declined to provide media with documented evidence to show that the project has been approved but insisted her sources confirm it is a "done deal".

Correspondence between 1MDB and Tenaga Nasional Bhd in February, sighted by Malaysiakini , also indicates that the go-ahead has been given.

Power hunt

Meanwhile, Nurul Izzah also questioned if 1MDB has obtained the Environmental Impact Assessment report for the 300-500 acre plant.
 
She said that the impact on residents in Kulim must be studied, citing how Ivanpah - the world's largest solar farm - is situate in the middle of a desert.
 
She added that the federal government must also explain why 1MDB was on a "power hunt" and acquiring various power assets.
 
"Beginning with the acquisition of over RM10 billion in power assets at inflated prices, which include the power assets of Tanjong, Jimah and Genting; to the recent successful bid of RM11 billion, 2,000MW coal-fired project; to the the blatant directly negotiated 50MW solar panel powered project.
 
"The government must explain the reasoning and the lengths taken to accommodate 1MDB’s power appetite, including a directly negotiated tender exercise despite the latter’s less than stellar standing in the financial world. 
 
"Else, Malaysian consumers will be left bereft of any explanation as to how the government wheels and deals projects in this country," she said.