Even Najib can invest in Penang tunnel, CM schools MCA deputy

MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong and even Prime Minister Najib Razak, were free to invest in Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, as it would not affect the project's viability.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said this today in his “lecture” to Wee over the latter's attacks against Zenith's shares having been bought by a “fashion company”, Vertice Bhd.

“Wee Ka Siong questioned Vertice is investing 13.21 percent in Zenith. What is wrong with investors in Zenith?

“Zenith is still the (main) shareholder of this project. There is nothing wrong for investors to put money into Zenith.

“After all, the main contractor is still China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).

“Anyone can invest in Malaysia. Even Wee Ka Siong (photo), if you want you can invest. Even the PM Najib. If they want, they can invest in Zenith. But the main contractor is still the same, CRCC. So please don't try to confuse the issue,” said Lim in a video statement on his Facebook today.

Lim said he had explained the composition of the shareholders would not affect the tunnel project because they are not the main contractors.

“CRCC gave a commitment in black and white that they shall render all commitment and expertise towards the project to ensure its successful completion. This is stated in black and white. So the viability of the project is unaffected,” he said.

Beneficial to Penangites

Lim explained the Penang state tender committee headed by state secretary had decided to award the tunnel project tender to Zenith at a cost of RM6.3 billion.

“An agreement was signed on Oct 6, 2013 between the state government and the two of the principal shareholders, Zenith and Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG).

“We also signed an additional agreement with the main contractor, CRCC, the largest, some say the largest construction company in the world that has a good track record, including building the highest railway line to Tibet,” said Lim.

He lamented BN was sabotaging the project that would help alleviate Penang's traffic woes.

“Now clearly Wee and BN leaders in Penang are trying to sabotage this project.

“We ask them, let the project continue so that we can help the people of Penang to have better transport and better connectivity especially between the mainland and the island.

“We do not know what will happen, as the main people in Zenith have been detained by the MACC.

“Whether BN will succeed in sabotaging the project, we will wait and see.

“But we will let the people of Penang decide whether what BN is doing in trying to sabotage this project is correct or not,” he said.- Mkini