Former Perak menteri besar Nizar Jamaluddin has challenged the present MB to disclose all documents and minutes related to the controversial Brazilian iron ore plant in Teluk Rubiah to give the true picture of the former Pakatan government’s involvment.
“Zambry must not be selective in disclosing information to the public.
“Zambry must not be selective in disclosing information to the public.
"The picture that has been painted by Zambry is at best, half-truths, and at worst a blatant reversal of the real truth,” said Nizar (left) in a statement today.
He accused Zambry of practising “cheap politics” in declassifying selective documents related to the Vale SA iron ore pelletising plant and distribution centre.
Zambry recently revealed documents by the former Pakatan state government showing support for the plant, to which Nizar hadconfirmed signing.
Yesterday, MCA Youth national deputy chairperson Mah Hang Soon issued a statement slamming Pakatan leaders for now demonstrating against the plant, when the declassified documents prove that they had backed it while in office.
Nizar pointed out that the documents only showed his former government’s support for the project, that he said had been intended for another site Tanjung Hantu, rather than the resort district of Teluk Rubiah.
“Tanjung Hantu is approximately 45km from Teluk Rubiah and is an area that had been deforested, with the presence of minimal residents.
“The proposed land is also owned by the state. We remain firm on that stance,” said Nizar.
He accused Zambry of practising “cheap politics” in declassifying selective documents related to the Vale SA iron ore pelletising plant and distribution centre.
Zambry recently revealed documents by the former Pakatan state government showing support for the plant, to which Nizar hadconfirmed signing.
Yesterday, MCA Youth national deputy chairperson Mah Hang Soon issued a statement slamming Pakatan leaders for now demonstrating against the plant, when the declassified documents prove that they had backed it while in office.
Nizar pointed out that the documents only showed his former government’s support for the project, that he said had been intended for another site Tanjung Hantu, rather than the resort district of Teluk Rubiah.
“Tanjung Hantu is approximately 45km from Teluk Rubiah and is an area that had been deforested, with the presence of minimal residents.
“The proposed land is also owned by the state. We remain firm on that stance,” said Nizar.
'Pakatan stand unequivocal'
It had been reported that Nizar and fellow Pakatan leaders Perak DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham, former Perak speaker V Sivakumar and Canning rep Wong Kar Woh attended a protest against the Vale project on March 31.
Nizar denied Mah’s claim that their presence at the protest contradicted their support for the project.
“We reject and deny, unequivocally that the Pakatan state government played a part in approving the project and its land conversion (in Teluk Rubiah),” said Nizar.
“I myself, as the menteri besar at the time, and individual exco members alike, are not able to independently make a decision to approve a project of this scale.”
Nizar said the documents revealed by Zambry only showed the Pakatan government welcomed the project as incoming investment to the state, but further studies on its location and environmental impact had to follow.
“Therefore no decisions of finality could have been made on the matter. Such decisions will only be made after sufficient environmental impact assessments are carried out, and the results satisfactory,” he said.
He added that Teluk Rubiah had been only one of several suggested sites for the project.
Rubiah resort 'in debt'
Turning the tables on Zambry, the former MB said while investigating Teluk Rubiah’s viability they had been “shocked” to find that the owner of the resort, Harta Makmur Sdn Bhd, had been facing financial problems.
“The said company owed the state in excess of RM20 million in quit rent. It also had combined debts to, and borrowings from, financial institutions of more than RM200 million,” he said.
Nizar questioned the present BN state government’s motives in approving the resort site for the Vale project.
“Was the decision to approve the project at Teluk Rubiah site influenced by the consideration to help Harta Makmur resolve it perceived financial woes, despite it being against the wishes of the people?
“The site and its surrounding area were designated to be the tourism belt of Manjung. Hundreds of millions of ringgit have been spent toward beautifying the area towards the goal of making it an area of outstanding touristic beauty.
“I would like also to know why Zambry (right) is so protective of the interest of Harta Makmur, even at the apparent expense of the people’s welfare,” said Nizar.
He called on Zambry to therefore disclose all the relevant documents relating to the project to give the rakyat the full picture, including:
It had been reported that Nizar and fellow Pakatan leaders Perak DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham, former Perak speaker V Sivakumar and Canning rep Wong Kar Woh attended a protest against the Vale project on March 31.
Nizar denied Mah’s claim that their presence at the protest contradicted their support for the project.“We reject and deny, unequivocally that the Pakatan state government played a part in approving the project and its land conversion (in Teluk Rubiah),” said Nizar.
“I myself, as the menteri besar at the time, and individual exco members alike, are not able to independently make a decision to approve a project of this scale.”
Nizar said the documents revealed by Zambry only showed the Pakatan government welcomed the project as incoming investment to the state, but further studies on its location and environmental impact had to follow.
“Therefore no decisions of finality could have been made on the matter. Such decisions will only be made after sufficient environmental impact assessments are carried out, and the results satisfactory,” he said.
He added that Teluk Rubiah had been only one of several suggested sites for the project.
Rubiah resort 'in debt'
Turning the tables on Zambry, the former MB said while investigating Teluk Rubiah’s viability they had been “shocked” to find that the owner of the resort, Harta Makmur Sdn Bhd, had been facing financial problems.
“The said company owed the state in excess of RM20 million in quit rent. It also had combined debts to, and borrowings from, financial institutions of more than RM200 million,” he said.
Nizar questioned the present BN state government’s motives in approving the resort site for the Vale project.
“Was the decision to approve the project at Teluk Rubiah site influenced by the consideration to help Harta Makmur resolve it perceived financial woes, despite it being against the wishes of the people?
“The site and its surrounding area were designated to be the tourism belt of Manjung. Hundreds of millions of ringgit have been spent toward beautifying the area towards the goal of making it an area of outstanding touristic beauty.“I would like also to know why Zambry (right) is so protective of the interest of Harta Makmur, even at the apparent expense of the people’s welfare,” said Nizar.
He called on Zambry to therefore disclose all the relevant documents relating to the project to give the rakyat the full picture, including:
- All minutes of meetings by government agencies pertaining to Vale.
- The BN’s exco approval of the said project.
- The letter of approval signed by Zambry to Vale.
- The investor agreement between state government and Vale.
The former MB also wanted his successor to explain why the agreement with Vale stipulates that any arising disputes between the company and the state government be settled in Singapore’s courts.
“This is a blatant insult to our nation, our state and our people, and that both parties do not recognise the Malaysian judicial system.
“I would like Zambry to provide an in depth explanation on this,” said Nizar.
“This is a blatant insult to our nation, our state and our people, and that both parties do not recognise the Malaysian judicial system.
“I would like Zambry to provide an in depth explanation on this,” said Nizar.
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