HAVE THE GUTS TO DEBATE IT OUT: Talam - White Paper or Whitewash?

Star's executive editor Tommy Lee has claimed that the White Paper on the controversial Talam debt recovery exercise appears more like a rebuttal paper to cover up the series of exposes. Lee is closely linked to the MCA and is serving as a coordinator between the newspaper and the party.

"Clearly missing are pertinent questions like who were the decision makers in deriving at the settlement sum, why the overpriced value of assets, why the purchase of worthless plots of land including those submerged in water and even those gazetted as ecological and forest reserve zones," added Lee.

Lee claims that the exercise resembles more of a bail out than a debt recovery. He hints that it is not so coincidental that Talam was no longer designated as a P17 company two months after the settlement agreement with Selangor government was reached.

Pakatan's leaders led by Tony Pua argues that the debt recovery exercise was a "testament of Pakatan's good governance". Like both Chua Tee Yong and Tommy Lee, Pua has made his own assessment of the debt recovery process. He said, "However, the new Pakatan Rakyat state led by Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has demonstrated that with political will, no company will be able to escape from paying its debts to the Government. Within a year after discovering the discrepancy in the state-owned companies’ financial records, Tan Sri Khalid has via the Menteri Besar (Incorporated) (MBI) recouped every sen of the RM392 million debt from Talam Corporation in the form of cash and properties. "

"The most remarkable thing about the entire exercise was the fact that the Selangor government did not have to suffer any haircuts in the debt recovery exercise despite the fact that Talam itself was just recovering from severe financial difficulties. On the contrary, the state government was able to RM676 million of property assets which was valued by an independent valuer to be worth more at RM685 million," added Pua.

The issue has become murkier and muddier with the political mudslinging match happening between the two sides. Facts and truths are hidden within the endless political attacks and counter attacks mounted by both parties.

Lee alleges that the White Paper resembles more a rebuttal paper against Chua's allegations. I agree with Lee that the people deserve to know the truth and full details of the issue.

The disclosure of truth should include allegations made by both Lee and Chua too. Lee's byline; "White Paper or Whitewash?" sounds like a perfect topic for a town hall debate between both sides.

I would like to propose to Lee, Chua, Tony and Lau Weng San (who has accused Chua of double standards for keeping mum against land grab in Selangor) to stand up on stage and provide us with a full disclose on the matter once and for all.

Instead of mudslinging, both sides should take the issue up in a civil debate to give us a better understanding of the issue. I am sure the people would be able to make an informed judgement after the debate.

With my event management experience, I would like to offer my assistance to help organize the debate.

What say you Lee, Chua, Tony and Lau?

-http://khookaypeng.blogspot.com