MCA's number plate controversy: As 'UN-TRANSPARENT' as Chinese education issues?

Would the minister get the number plat for free? Everyone has their own say.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai could not tell earlier that who should pay the RM24,200 for the WWW 15 vehicle registration number he won in a recent tender for his official car. However, he said yesterday that the Road Transport Department (RTD) has notified him that the number plate would be issued free.

Such an argument is in line with former Human Resources Minister Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn's remarks. However, when answering reporter's questions on behalf of Liow earlier, former Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said that the money was just going "from the left hand to the right hand" as all the money goes to a government consolidated fund from all ministries.

Big contradiction

There is a contradiction between Liow's argument and Chua's explanation.

Meanwhile, the RTD stressed that the person who had bid the number plat would have to pay for it. Then who has paid the money?

If the minister did not pay it, are ministry secretary-generals, ministry director generals and deputy ministers enjoying the same benefit?

If it was paid by the ministry, the money will eventually go into the Treasury through the RTD and thus, it is going "from the left hand to the right hand".

There are many questions to be answered. However, a principle that cannot be compromised would be, if the money was paid by the ministry, the number plat would then be a government asset and the minister cannot bring the number plat with him if he leaves his post, regardless of how meaningful the number is to him.

Therefore, they should still make it clear why the number plat WWW 15 should be issued for free while other people have to pay, as it relates to public interest.

Lacks transparency

It is actually confusing that a number plate tender can actually bring so many problems. It shows that the government's operation lacks transparency while the regulations are not clear enough or having a grey area, confusing even ministers and officials.

There have been so many cases showing unclear regulations. For example, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) mooted a new measure requiring ministers and civil servants to declare to the Cabinet if any of their family members are applying for any government facilities, to be included as a new clause under the Public Service Code of Conduct.

Senior executives have the power to approve the issuance and approval of loans and plans but why there is no law requiring them to declare? It is indeed a loophole.

The MACC made also other proposals, just as recommending the government to make detailed studies before approving any projects, including risk and management assessments. It also recommended that institutions should be established to coordinate and supervise the progress of projects. All these things should have been done by the government and why should it be reminded by the MACC?

What consolidated fund is Chua talking about?

As for the WWW 15 number plate, Dr Chua said that the money was from the consolidated fund. Is the so-called consolidated fund the annual funding allocated for various departments? If not, where did the money come from? Who is managing it? Have the accounts be vetted?

Members of the public are setting tougher requirements for the ruling party after the 2008 general election. Any contradictions and errors in words and deeds would become an issue to be criticised and attacked online.

Therefore, just like harming the interests of Chinese education, the number plate issue must be clarified as soon as possible to avoid further harm.

-Sin Chew Daily