GLOBAL UPLINE AND KKIA CONTRACTUAL CONFLICT

THE RECENT outburst of the KKIA contractor Global Upline claiming that the contractual obligation on the part of the government has not be executed according and the company has threatened to seek legal proceeding to recover the money allegedly owing. The Ministry of Transport has issued their version of explanation on the issue and also made a police report to the effect.

As up to date in the media report that the Ministry of Transport has instructed their senior officials to check and watch over the facilities and installations of the airport to ensure that these are protected. Is this implying that there are potential “sabotages”? Has this got anything to do with the recent airport runway lights black-out for two nights? Did the investigation report spell out the true reason publicly?

The Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Hiew King Cheu views this case as very serious, and it has being blown out of proportion now. A simple airport extension construction project has turned so ugly today, and especially it is concerning the well being and safety of many air travelers. The contractual money claims can continue, and the augment on who is right and wrong can flare up, but bear in mind that these should not be on the expense of the people.

The Ministry of Transport should not deny their responsibility on the project and wash their hand over the whole matter by pushing the blame to the contractor. Someone must be held responsible and cannot sweep it underneath the carpet. They are the client and the government, if the project failed automatically the Ministry is liable and responsible. The Minister Tan Sri Kong Chor Han is definitely answerable to all counts.

The delay or even stop work of the project is known many years back, and additional time was granted with variation order on the work, and yet the work went on slowly. Until today there are still some outstanding works to be completed. As far as the general people are concerned, they are very disappointed to see the poor stage of the KKIA. The KK MP Hiew has brought up the matter in Parliament more than one time.

Hiew said he can foresee more trouble once there is a legal proceeding from the part of the contractor to sue the government, and surely the airport project will be further delay to its final completion. This is causing immense inconvenience to many people, and we want the government to resolve the matter immediately. We can not afford to wait any longer on the final completion of the KKIA. (DAP Media)