Penang govt rapped for shocking reaction

PETALING JAYA: The Penang government is being criticised for expressing “shock” over the alleged RM22mil payouts to two individuals by the undersea tunnel main contractor Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZC).

“Doesn’t the Penang government have any direct communication with the Penang tunnel SPV (special purpose vehicle) anymore? Do they have to resort to asking over the press?” asked Barisan Nasional strategic communications deputy director Datuk Eric See-To.

It was reported that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government was shocked by news that CZC, which is the SPV of the tunnel project, allegedly paid RM19mil to a “Datuk Seri” businessman and RM3mil to Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

The businessman has been remanded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for six days until March 5.

Abdul Azeez on Tuesday denied allegations that he had dealings with CZC, saying that he is unaware of the company or its senior executive director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli.

See-To also asked the Penang government to apologise to the MACC for attacking the commission and falsely claiming that it was politically persecuting DAP.

“For so long, the Penang government has alleged that MACC’s investigations are political persecution.

“Now it is proven correct that the MACC had basis and was right to investigate,” said See-To.

Graft watchdog Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said the state government should end its contract with CZC over the alleged payouts.

“We are surprised that Lim is surprised and the state is claiming to be in the dark over CZC’s bribe payments.

“It is unacceptable to continue this relationship with them (CZC), and the Penang government must act urgently under their CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) motto,” said C4 director Cynthia Gabriel.