YOURSAY | ‘These are the sort of questions on accountability we want from our politicians.’

Minister: Explain RM305m for Penang tunnel feasibility study

Wira: BN strategic communications director Abdul Rahman Dahlan, don't tell half-truths and spin the story.

RM305 million is from the release of nine acres out of 110 acres of land signed with the Chinese consortium (Zenith) who are the builders of the tunnel.

It is supposed to fund the following - feasibility study (RM180 million), detailed design (RM92 million), EIA (environmental impact assessment), etc (RM33 million) in a series of progressive payments through the release of land under the sea.

To get RM305 million from nine acres of land, it means the land is priced at RM778 per sq ft. Contrast that with BN government (read: Umno in collaboration with their crumbs-gathering partners, Gerakan and MCA) "giving away" 4,000 acres of scarce land in Penang to interested parties for a total of RM550 million (or an average price of RM3.20 per sq ft) stretching from the late 90s to 2008 when they lost the state to Pakatan.

By judiciously managing those lands under the sea, the Pakatan government will be able to give Penangites the tunnel, a Light Rail Transit (LRT), developing a huge low-cost housing project in Batu Kawan with many parks and amenities despite not getting a single extra sen from Putrajaya.

Justice Fairness: It must be noted that the feasibility study cost and the fact it was paid before completion of work was first raised by the six PKR and DAP Penang state assemblypersons five months ago when they so-called "backstabbed" CM Lim Guan Eng in the state assembly. These are real concerns.

No, those going on personal attacks against Abdul Rahman are just diverting from the real issue. Do you really think that DAP is not capable of massive corruption?

The entire project could end up costing RM20 billion of Penang rakyat’s money.

Ex-Wfw: As the opposition in Penang, it is Abdul Rahman’s right to question how state finance is managed, just like what we would like the federal opposition to question the PM and his ministers.

This is good for Penang, knowing that their state government’s every move is being monitored. They need to ensure transparency, credibility and accountability in all that they do.

Whether Abdul Rahman will fall flat on his face is left to be seen, but credit should be given to him for highlighting issues of interest and concern to the public, particularly Penang residents.

Non Politican: This is a very serious matter that needs investigation as to how prudent or imprudent the Penang state government leaders have been as trustees of the people.

I fully support the minister in taking this matter up. Why had this issue not been made transparent previously by the people’s representatives in the state is also a matter of concern.

I thank the minister for highlighting this issue. The next state elections would show how much these type of state politicians have lost their credibility and the support of the people.

Amateur: Let's wait for official explanation from the state government. I have full confidence in the Penang state government.

The accusation from Abdul Rahman will soon be clearly and fully refuted.

Anonymous 1545651439185163: Can Abdul Rahman ask PM Najib Razak why as finance minister, he sold the TRX (Tun Razak Exchange) land to 1MDB below market value?

The market value would have been around RM7,000 psf, but the land was sold at RM60psf.

Mushiro: Abdul Rahman may be asking some good questions but his credibility is below zero. His eyes can only see the smaller suspected corruption of DAP or PKR.

Abdul Rahman is totally blind and numb to the 1MDB commissions, 1MDB’s purchase of energy assets at inflated prices and later sold these energy assets at RM2 billion loss and he is not bothered about the near complete loss of the 1MDB’s RM42 billion.

Abdul Rahman did not mention a word about the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) loss of RM250 million or the Scorpene submarine’s RM500 million commission.

Does he believe that it is Umno and only Umno's right to allegedly embezzle billions?

360: Abdul Rahman, these are the sort of questions on accountability we want from our politicians. But why only train your guns on Penang?

If you are genuine, you must ask these sort of questions to not just the opposition but also to everybody. We all know that these types of scandalous practices are common everywhere.

The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.

These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.