Former transport minister Ong Tee Keat has no regrets initiating the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) audit despite the federal government's decision to not pursue a case against Ling Liong Sik.
Ling was acquitted on Oct 25 of cheating the government in regards to the land valuation for the PKFZ project. The attorney-general's chambers had 14 days to file an appeal, but they did not. No reason was given.
At a press conference in Ampang today, Ong said his conscience was clear although Putrajaya had given up on the case.
"When I took over the transport ministry, there were irregularities. Things were not done according to the contract. But money were collected and fake claims were made.
"I as a minister need to face the auditor-general who asked about the project, so I said it out honestly and not to harm anybody," said Ong.
Soon after taking over the transport ministry in 2008, Ong commissioned an international audit firm to look into PKFZ's books.
Ling was acquitted on Oct 25 of cheating the government in regards to the land valuation for the PKFZ project. The attorney-general's chambers had 14 days to file an appeal, but they did not. No reason was given.
At a press conference in Ampang today, Ong said his conscience was clear although Putrajaya had given up on the case.
"When I took over the transport ministry, there were irregularities. Things were not done according to the contract. But money were collected and fake claims were made.
"I as a minister need to face the auditor-general who asked about the project, so I said it out honestly and not to harm anybody," said Ong.
Soon after taking over the transport ministry in 2008, Ong commissioned an international audit firm to look into PKFZ's books.
The report was used by the authorities to initiate the cheating case against Ling and his successor as transport minister Chan Kong Choy.
Meanwhile, Ong said Putrajaya owes the public an explanation on why they did not pursue an appeal against the acquital because public funds are involved.
"The reason of why the prosecutor decided not to appeal against Ling’s acquittal must be made known to the public.
"It is something the people, irrespective of their politcal affiliation, deserve to know the reason behind it," he said.
He also urged the public and opposition parties to continue monitoring PKFZ's development.
Meanwhile, Ong said Putrajaya owes the public an explanation on why they did not pursue an appeal against the acquital because public funds are involved.
"The reason of why the prosecutor decided not to appeal against Ling’s acquittal must be made known to the public.
"It is something the people, irrespective of their politcal affiliation, deserve to know the reason behind it," he said.
He also urged the public and opposition parties to continue monitoring PKFZ's development.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.