FROM FIASCO TO CIRCUS? PAKATAN REPS 'CAUGHT' COVERING UP FOR EACH OTHER OVER HANNAH YEOH'S DRT LINK
Written by Saw Yee Fung
KUALA LUMPUR (politicsnowmy) - The unity among Pakatan Harapan elected representatives including the Minister and Deputy Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil and Teoh Nie Ching, Member of Parliament for Puchong Yeo Bee Yin and Selangor Exco Ng Sze Han in their statements on the Selangor Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) project appears to whitewash the entire controversy. Their mutual protectionist actions inevitably fuel further suspicions about the award of the Selangor DRT project.
Since this scandal came out in the open, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government has earned public ire over its double standards. For years before capturing federal office, they had always advocated that all government procurements must undergo open tenders while relatives of high-ranking officials are prohibited from benefiting from government projects. However, the exposé of the DRT project reveals that the project was awarded without going through an open tender, while public figures connected to the project are frontline DAP leaders, including Cabinet Ministers and a spouse.
Not only that, Teoh Nie Ching even declared that further evidence is required before action can be taken against Hannah Yeoh. However, it is crystal clear that the PH Selangor State Government had awarded the project without an open tender process. The fact remains: Hannah Yeoh’s husband’s company is the beneficiary. Hence, doesn’t this amount to cronyism, behind-the-scenes dealings, and nepotism that DAP has often condemned? With such an obvious conflict of interest, what other evidence does Teoh Nie Ching need? If this incident had occurred during the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration, would she still demand further evidence? Isn't this double standards? Is this how DAP defines justice?
Since the controversy broke out, other PH leaders including Fahmi, Yeo Bee Yin and Ng Sze Han now unanimously sing another tune. They now claim that the plan in question is merely “Proof of Concept” not contracts - a lame attempt at diverting attention from the fact that the Selangor government did not exercise open tender.
According to a press release issued by Asia Mobiliti Technologies on the 27th of this month, the firm which Hannah Yeoh’s husband is the CEO, had secured a 9-month contract. This indicates that both companies which were issued a letter of intent would have invested heavily in vehicle procurement, driver recruitment, and technical development. Which business would be willing to invest significant manpower and funds without certainty or a contract?
Thus, whether it's proof of concept, short-term contracts, or long-term contracts, as long as public funds are involved, it's just a difference in name. PH still refrains from clarifying as to why the Selangor state government did not practise an open tender but had directly awarded the contract to the husband of a cabinet Minister.
The issue is not about the length or nature of the contract, but rather the lack of open tender and existence of cronyism. Ng Sze Han emphasises that the project in question was approved by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) under the Ministry of Transport, and the Minister of Transport is none other than Anthony Loke Siew Fook who is also the Secretary-General of DAP. Was the Transport Minister unaware of this project award? Or was is he complicit to it? This is another area for concern.
What is most amusing is that Ng Sze Han’s remarks appear to alter daily. From initially claiming that the appointment letter was issued three months after submitting a letter of intent, then changing it to a pilot project not a contract, and then claiming that since two companies submitted proposals, this is equivalent to open tender.
Has this state assemblyman responsible for the project finally woken up?
After nearly a week of revelations, the statements of these high-ranking officials clearly insult the intelligence of people. MCA Youth urges Pakatan Harapan to state whether they still support open tender, or if they have abandoned their past principles and stances since taking office? If PH now believes that direct award of contracts to cronies is acceptable, they can unequivocally state so without evasion.
Saw Yee Fung is MCA Youth Secretary General
PoliticsNow!
https://politicsnowmy.blogspot.com/
Comments