End ‘commission for projects’ culture, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The culture of soliciting and giving commissions to ministers and political parties to approve development projects must end, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“If the company is making money, no problem, but don’t give away RM10mil or RM15mil (from its profits) to ministers or political parties as practised before.

“I understand that many would be angry at me for discussing this issue, but everyone knows, just ask developers in the Federal Territories.

“We have to stop this nonsense,” said Anwar during his speech when launching Residensi Wilayah, Residensi Prihatin Madani and the Madani hawker centre groundbreaking ceremony at Bandar Tasik Selatan in Sungai Besi here yesterday.

He said he was also taken aback after seeing a WhatsApp message from a city council officer in Selangor who complained about the lack of commissions.

“The officer said he couldn’t ‘cari makan’ (make a living) after my emphasis on no more commissions – but, he has a salary,” he added.

According to Anwar, the amount spent on dubiously acquiring projects could be better used on carrying out more development projects, such as housing and better public amenities for low-income groups.

Residensi Wilayah and Residensi Prihatin Madani are housing projects offering 1,010 units to first-time buyers from the M40 group and below.

Anwar said that as Kuala Lumpur is developing rapidly, the government has established conditions to ensure that new housing projects will not cause low-income groups to be left out of mainstream development.

He said to ensure that Kuala Lumpur is liveable, more open spaces and green areas should be created.

“I hope that in a year or two, Kuala Lumpur will be a well-known city with good landmarks, big hotels and clean stalls, beautiful in its own way,” he added.

Meanwhile, Anwar said he is willing to work closely with the Opposition-led states of Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

“If there are funds for the poor, then they must be given to them and not others. I will be very strict on this,” he told reporters on the sidelines.

Also present during the groundbreaking ceremony was Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.