It is disconcerting to learn that the West Coast Highway project mooted in 1996 but put on hold because of the Asian Financial Crisis will be given to the original contractors it was awarded to 11 years ago.

It cannot be justifiable for a project awarded 11 years ago to be given to the same contractors unless the project was re-awarded in an open tender in 2007. The cost of labour and price of materials fluctuates over time and can bear no relationship after a period of 11 years.

So on what basis was this highway contract awarded to the same contractors? How was the estimated cost of RM3.12 billion arrived at if there was no competitive bid for the project?

Surely a project of such magnitude would demand greater transparency and accountability. The concessionaires for the project include Kumpulan Europlus Bhd and the contractor is Konsortium LPB sdn Bhd.

As taxpayers whose money is being used for this project, I think we are entitled to know how and on what basis this contract was awarded and who are the principal beneficiaries.