Selcat to probe Talam if MB's account found wanting

Select committee on competency, accountability and transparency (Selcat) chairperson Teng Chang Khim today said the panel will investigate the the state government's transaction with Talam Corporation if it is unsatisfied with Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim's explanation.

"We will wait for the MB's explanation in the assembly, if (Selcat) members are satisfied with the explanation there will not be a public hearing.

"But if Selcat members are not happy with the explanation, surely we will call for a public hearing," said Teng who is also house speaker, at his office at the Selangor state assembly this afternoon.

 Teng was responding torecent allegationsmade by MCA central committee member Chua Tee Yong who alleged that the Selangor state government had overpaid RM42 million to Talam for a piece of land.

"In Selangor, we are not used to covering up issues," stressed Teng.

Gifts and hampers

Similarly, Teng said that on allegations that contracts for the purchase of hampers were done without open tender, the panel will wait for the explanation in the state assembly.

"I believe assembly members will raise the issue of gifts, whether they were tendered or not. I believe they will give an explanation.

"If the house is not happy or the committee (Selcat) is not happy (about the explanation), then a hearing can be called," he said.

Last Thursday,Malaysiakini had reported that contracts for the supply of RM2 million worth in Hari Raya hampers were allegedly given outwithout the open tender process which is compulsory for all tenders worth RM50,000 and above.

Abdul Khalid (right) had explained that some tenders were given directly as they were done in stages and were less than RM50,000 each time.