6 January 2012
Parties unhappy over the alleged sudden increase in the construction cost of the controversial klia2 project can bring up their grouses with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha.
He said the ministry welcomed investigations into Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) following the management’s decision to relocate the site of the new terminal from KLIA North to KLIA West.
“I am not here to protect any party and if Tony Pua is not happy, he can refer the allegations of financial mismanagement to the PAC,” he told reporters at his ministry yesterday.
The klia2 project came under fire from Pua, the DAP national publicity chief, who claimed that the project was being constructed at a substantially higher cost.
Last year, Pua had also called on the PAC to investigate the project if the Transport Ministry failed to provide details on the costs and work schedule.
Kong said MAHB was a public-listed company with decisions made at board meetings.
“It has consultants.
“The decision made by MAHB does not require it to go through the Ministry of Transport,” he said.
“My ministry cannot directly get involved, especially as to cost.
“This is all done through consultants. It is all up to MAHB and its management board,” he said.
The new permanent low-cost carrier terminal is expected to be completed in April next year, costing some RM3.9bil.
He also hit out at former Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, who was reported as saying he did not recall being told by MAHB that additional costs would be incurred if the terminal was moved to a new location.
“The award of the contract was done during his time.
“I am not saying he is wrong, but why he is agreeing with the DAP?” he said.
Source: www.thestar.com.my
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