Chan Kong Choy did not reply to Jafza re Port Klang Free Zone difficulties

The original cost of the project had ballooned from RM2 billion to RM4.6 billion because of, among others, overvalued land costs.

Despite all the investment poured into the PKFZ, what it has to show are rows of unoccupied buildings, an incomplete four-star hotel and kilometres of pothole-ridden roads.

Documents obtained by theSun revealed that the falling out was because of red tape, political meddling, inaccurate minutes and attempted tax evasions.

Jafza executive chairman Sultan Ahmed Sulayem and its senior vice-president (international operations), Chuck Heath, had written to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy on March 11 and May 29 last year, respectively, complaining about the difficulties working with the PKA, but did not receive any reply.

In the letter, Heath alleged that the PKA had also overruled many areas of its responsibilities.

He also complained that transparency was non-existent and the “Malaysian political and economic landscape has too many vested interests seeking involvement and control in this project”.

On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he had to get a report from Chan before commenting on the matter.

At the post-Cabinet press conference today, Chan said the issue was discussed int the Cabinet meeting and a statement on this will be issued soon.

Source: The Sun

Read:

Chan Kong Choy and Port Klang Free Zone, a MYR4 billion white elephant ?

Chan Kong Choy: we will improve system so that it is more efficient

We are still waiting for Chan Kong Choy’s report on LRT breakdowns (promised on 31 Oct 2006)

PAC calls for hearing on RM4.6b PKFZ

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad said news reports about the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) has raised serious concerns.

Its cost has ballooned from RM2 billion to RM4.6 billion. Dubai-based Jebel Ali Free Zone pulled out of the management of the PKFZ after it fell out with the Port Klang Authority, believed to be because of bureaucracy and interference by politicians and others with vested interests, among other reasons.

The PAC will call for a hearing to look into two concerns:

> Will it involve any government bailout; and

> Will it affect foreign investors’ confidence in other projects in Malaysia, like the Iskandar Development Region and other developments?

On Monday (Aug 13), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he would ask Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy for a report before commenting on the matter.

At the post-Cabinet press conference today, Chan said the issue was discussed in the Cabinet meeting and a statement on this will be issued soon.

Source: The Sun

Read:

Chan Kong Choy and Port Klang Free Zone, a MYR4 billion white elephant ?

Chan Kong Choy: we will improve system so that it is more efficient

We are still waiting for Chan Kong Choy’s report on LRT breakdowns (promised on 31 Oct 2006)

Malaysians Must Accept Wee’s Apology – Zam

The society must accept the apology by Wee Meng Chong who has regretted mocking the national anthem and making racial slurs, Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said today.
He said the 24-year-old Wee, a mass communication student at Ming Chuan University in Taiwan, had made the mistake by choosing the national anthem and mocking it because he was young and unable to assess the sensitivities in the country.
“He should not be punished but instead be guided and educated to enable him to understand the basics and to distinguish between political and national issues,” he told reporters after launching the first anniversary celebrations of the national classic radio at Wisma Radio in Angkasapuri.
Zainuddin also praised MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting for taking a pro-active stance by not turning the issue into a racial issue.

Source: Bernama

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Cabinet wants Wee punished

Chan Kong Choy denies his ministry only react after disasters occurred

Responding to comments that the ministry only reacted after disasters occurred, Chan said the ministry had already begun executing its five-year road safety plan last year. 

“For example, discussions on the safety, health and environment regulations that were announced yesterday had started two months ago,” he said. 

As for the Kejara demerit points system that currently “allows” drivers who do not settle their summonses to escape being slapped with demerit points, Chan said the law would be amended. 

“It will be amended in such a way that even if drivers don’t turn up after a certain amount of time to settle summonses, demerit points will be given,” he added. 

“What is important is that we want to send a strong message that everyone, especially public transport operators, has to be very serious about safety. 

“In fact, I commend the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) for grounding the fleet of the bus company involved in the (Taiping) accident until a comprehensive audit is carried out,” he added. 

Source: The Star

Read:

Chan Kong Choy and Port Klang Free Zone, a MYR4 billion white elephant ?

Chan Kong Choy: we will improve system so that it is more efficient

We are still waiting for Chan Kong Choy’s report on LRT breakdowns (promised on 31 Oct 2006)

Different strokes for Wee although Wee apologized

The Cabinet has accepted the apology by student Wee Meng Chee, who caused a furore with his Negaraku rap video clip on video-sharing web portal YouTube, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. 

However, the Prime Minister said the law would still have to take its course. 

Wee, 24, could be charged under the National Anthem Act 1968 with disrespecting and lowering the prestige of the Negaraku, he said. 

Abdullah said a Minister had brought up the matter during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. 

“He (Wee) said he wants to apologise, we can accept. But if it is an offence, how to let him go without him being punished? The law has to take its course,” he said during a press conference on the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business here yesterday. 

Source:

Read:

Umno inflammatory delegates (who did not make public apology) get off with a ‘pedas, keras’ ticking