DAP: Umno rep built RM1.5 mil home without approval

Johor opposition leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau today questioned the integrity of state Public Accounts Committee chairperson Abdul Hamid Abdul Rahman.

This follows allegations that the BN assemblyperson had constructed his bungalow in Simpang Renggam without proper approval from the local council.

Boo, in a statement, alleged that Hamid had abused his power as PAC Johor chairperson in constructing the bungalow without the local authority approval, and wanted the Umno politician to face the state Rights and Privileges committee.

Boo, who is also the Johor DAP leader, said Hamid knew full well that the local council by-laws require him to get its approval before construction," said the DAP politician.

However, Hamid, who is also the BN Machap assemblyperson, when contacted, denied Boo's allegation, saying that Boo was trying to distract from the real issue at hand, which was that the Skudai assemblyman was removed from the state legislative assembly for uttering racist remarks earlier this month.

Hamid acknowledged that the land where the bungalow stood was built on his land, which is classified as agricultural land.

"I applied for a permit before the 2008 general election, but the local authority has yet to approve it. I therefore stopped the project," said the BN Machap assemblyperson.

'MB should state his stand'

Boo, who is also a PAC member, emphasised that Hamid as the chairperson must have impeccable integrity, as the post requires the committee to examine government agencies including local councils, to make sure they follow procedures, guidelines and the law.

He claimed information which he had obtained revealed that Hamid had tried to build the house for between RM1.5 million and RM2.5 million.

He said a search done with the Kluang district office revealed the cost of the land is said to be RM280,000 and the bungalow is expected to cost the remaining sum when it is completed.

“This affects Hamid's integrity as PAC chairperson, and this matter should be investigated further by the Rights and Privileges committee.

“I also challenge Johor Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman to state his stand on whether Hamid has the integrity to remain as PAC chairperson,” said the Skudai assemblyperson.

Boo maintained he does not question Hamid's ability to construct the property, as he understood the Umno politician also owned Hamid Sawmill Sdn Bhd, which was awarded a logging concession worth between RM150 to RM250 million from a 2,024 ha land area given to the company in 2007.

The DAP politician claimed Hamid's integrity needs to be investigated as he had violated the law, since construction should not have taken place before approval was gained.

Boo admitted he was asked to leave the state assemby on July 4 for making a false allegation about Hamid, but now wants speaker Mohamad Ali Hassan to review the allegation he made against the Umno man.

He called on Hamid to resign from his post as Johor PAC chairperson.

'A diversion tactic'

Hamid, in responding to the allegations, maintains Boo was trying to divert the issue of the Skudai assemblyperson's expulsion on July 4 for uttering racist remarks.

“He is trying to get back at me by making this allegation. You can check with the state legislative assembly Hansard. You are also welcome to check with the Simpang Renggam district council.

“I have not abused my power to construct this property. In fact, I admit I had not gained the approval yet during construction and it is being left idle like that. I had submitted my application before the 2008 general election but since no approval was obtained I stopped it,” he said.

Hamid explained that in the past the state government had awarded agricultural lots to various persons, and he wanted to merely transform it into a residential property.

He agreed that it takes some time to get approval.

“I want to know whether he is making the allegation that I abused my power in a press conference or in the assembly. I vehemently deny it (as the halt in construction) proves,” he said.

“If I abused my power I would have gained the approval, but no I didn't and I stopped its construction.”

Boo, he said, was merely trying to get back at him for being suspended which is the real issue. - Malaysiakini