Terengganu MB says state land sale a 'non-issue', mum on actual value

 

Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar dismissed concerns over the sale of land to the Khairunnisa' Association, whose membership comprises wives of current and former elected representatives from the state, as "non-issue".

He claims certain quarters are deliberately sensationalising the issue for election fodder, adding the transaction was done according to set procedures.

"I don't understand why it became an issue, as the (transaction) process was done according to existing laws and procedures in Terengganu.

"But it is normal in these times nearing an election, all kinds of issues will arise.

“Even worms from the centre of the earth will appear," said Samsuri during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Earlier, he was present during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between KMI Healthcare and the Perlis Economic Development Board. Also present was Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.

Previously, reports claimed the Terengganu state government sold a 11,299 square metre plot of land in Batas Baru at only a fraction of its estimated market rate.

The land was said to have been valued at RM29.3 million but was sold to Khairunnisa' at only RM500,000.

The reported claims were backed by an unverified document from the Kuala Terengganu Land Registry, dated Feb 10, 2019, which stated it did not deliberate on Khairunnisa's land purchase application.

The non-deliberation was attributed to the land status, which was gazetted for public use under Section 62 of the National Land Code on April 28, 2011.

Further, Samsuri urged the public not to be swayed by parties peddling the claims.

"We urge all parties to make the fairest judgement based on facts, according to the law," he said.

Quizzed on the current market value for the land, he said he was unable to provide such details.

"I can't give the full details... for me, that is a small issue that is actually understood by the people, but as usual, leading up to elections, all kinds of things will come up," he said.

Prior to the gazette, the land was awarded to Terengganu PAS-owned Koperasi Insaf Terengganu Berhad (Koinsaf) in 2003. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang was also the state menteri besar at the time.

Koinsaf was formed on Dec 29, 2001, chaired by Kemaman PAS treasurer Roslin Abdul Rahman. Hadi's political secretary at the time, Hussain Ismail, was on its board of directors. - Mkini