THERE is no need to freeze any transaction relating to lands registered under Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan (YWP) pending an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), says Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad.
He said this in response to a statement by Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, who said he would be writing to Khalid to ask him to freeze any transaction relating to 12 parcels of land, totalling 12.22ha, as YWP had acquired them without an open tender.
According to Khalid, YWP followed the practice of the previous administration in bidding for the lands.
“If the intention was to freeze all transactions made through such deals, then Lim should not concentrate on YWP only.
"It's not fair as other companies got lands though the same procedure too,” Khalid said in Putrajaya today (Aug 24).
When asked about the progress of the MACC investigation into the 64 parcels of land, totalling 170ha, sold by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to YWP between 2013 and this year, the minister said it was ongoing.
“We formed our own committee, studied and made recommendations. In the recommendations, the majority of the projects are recommended to proceed.
“Regardless of our decision, the MACC has said their investigation will continue and action will be taken if there is any illegal activity,” he said.
Speaking on the relevance of YWP as the welfare arm of Federal Territories Ministry, Khalid said the previous administration used it as a tool for Umno programmes.
“In the past, YWP welfare activities were conducted through the Umno division chiefs. It was made to look like Umno programmes.
“Since most constituencies in Kuala Lumpur were then under the opposition, many of the programmes did not reach those constituencies or, even if it did, it was not through the MPs.
“Things are different now.
"For example, YWP donated 85 cows for slaughter on Hari Raya Haji. The cows were handed to Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan to be distributed to mosques and suraus in poor areas.
“At the end of this year, the back-to-school programme will be conducted through the MPs.
“Perhaps, through these initiatives, the role of YWP as a welfare arm will be recognised.
"I have also instructed for a committee (to be set up) to study a more sustainable business plan for YWP to generate income, such as venturing into solid waste management or any other viable options.
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