In 2003, the government, despite objections from cigarette companies, proceeded to award the RM70-RM100 million contract for the security labelling of locally-made cigarette packets to an obscure, unknown company called Kod Efisien.

For obvious reasons, the award of this money-making concession was couched in secrecy and the actual beneficiary was not made known. However, in August this year the concession previously granted to Kod Efisien was transferred to a little known RM2 company called Lembah Sari. The transfer of this money-making concession was naturally made without fanfare, transparency and accountability.

According to the company's record, one of its shareholder and also chairman is Haris, the youngest son of former prime minister Hussein Onn and the brother of the country's education minister, Hishammuddin Hussein.

From the train of events, it has become obvious that the initial beneficiary was concealed in 2003 for fear of public protests. However in 2006, when there was no public outcry (because the award was made by the Custom Department in utmost secrecy) the beneficiary has now feels safe to reveal his identity.

There are many questions regarding the award of a lucrative concession to a relative of the minister and the answers should be made public. Why did the government deem it fit to award a contract worth RM70-RM100 million to an individual? If it was awarded to the brother of a serving minister, is that not blatant corruption?

Why did the government not undertake the security labelling itself and accrue the revenue to the Treasury? Why was there no transparency and accountability in the award of this lucrative concession?

In the governance of the country's resources, our leaders have a fiduciary duty to the citizens to ensure a proper and transparent administration of the duties entrusted to them. Any lack of transparency and integrity in their administration would constitute a strong indictment against their tenure and governance.