MMC Gamuda pledges “open book approach” if fresh negotiation can be held

For Gamuda

KUALA LUMPUR: MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd, the contractor for the underground portion of the Mass Rapid Transit 2 (MRT2) project, has pledged to adopt an “open book approach” if fresh negotiations can be held.

The company, in a statement, said it hoped to be invited back to the negotiating table with the government after Dr Mahathir on Tuesday said he would reconsider the Cabinet’s decision to terminate the underground contract.

“It is our express hope that the government would invite us back to the negotiating table as part of that review process, and we shall adopt an open-book approach with the appointment of an international engineering consulting firm that possesses the necessary experience and track record in assessing tunnelling works around the world, and as such, be in the best position to re-examine where savings can be derived,” MMC-Gamuda said.

On Sunday (Oct 7), Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Cabinet had decided to terminate the MMC-Gamuda contract to build the underground portion of the MRT2 project, adding that all unfinished underground work will be re-tendered via an open tender process.

But Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, on Tuesday, said the government will reconsider the decision.

“We urge all stakeholders, especially our staff, subcontractors and suppliers, to remain calm, be patient and trust in the wisdom of our Prime Minister in his impending review process,” MMC-Gamuda said,

“Our request in return for the open-book approach is that our intellectual property rights and commercially sensitive information are duly respected as such, by the said reviewing consultant and all reviewing parties, during the review process.”

 

Below is the statement by MMC Gamuda in full

 

MMC Gamuda welcomes the decision by the Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to review the cancellation of the MRT 2 Underground Contract with MMC Gamuda.

MMC Gamuda remains committed to further discussion with MOF and to cooperate with MOF in reaching an agreeable reduction of cost.

The recent outpouring by MMC Gamuda staff over the last 48 hours is sincere and directly from their hearts. Given the recent announcement of termination of the MRT 2 Underground Contract, we understand their reactions and are indeed empathetic of their situation.

Nonetheless, we urge all stakeholders especially our staff, subcontractors and suppliers to remain calm, be patient and trust in the wisdom of our Prime Minister in his impending review process.

It is our express hope that the Government would invite us back to the negotiating table as part of that review process, and we shall adopt an open book approach with the appointment of an international engineering consulting firm that possesses the necessary experience and track record in assessing tunnelling works around the world, and as such, be in the best position to re-examine where

savings can be derived.

Our request in return for the open-book approach is that our Intellectual Property (IP) rights and commercially sensitive information are duly respected as such, by the said reviewing consultant and all reviewing parties, during the review process.

MMC Gamuda therefore leaves the matter in the good hands of the Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir.

 

Issued by MMC Gamuda

10 October 2018