Three DAP MPs invited by Yayasan Patriot Negara Malaysia (YPNM) for a dialogue session on the auction of the controversial ‘Patriot 1’ car plate said today they will only debate with Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai.

Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik, who spoke on behalf of Kluang and Taiping MPs Liew Chin Tong and Nga Kor Ming as well, said it was because Liow was said to have approved the exclusive rights to YPNM to sell the Patriot car number plates.

The 'Patriot 1' car number plate was auctioned off in July for a record RM1.308 million, becoming the most expensive number plate in the country.

Liow ( photo ), who is also MCA president, had then denied any abuse of power in the approval process.

“So it is better that the transport minister himself debates with us three MPs to explain the matter to the public,” Ng said at a press conference today.

“Only Liow himself can explain the matter in detail on how the approval process was done, and the rational to give the concession to YPNM without an open tender,” Ng added.

Ng said such get-rich-quick schemes would only enrich Umno cronies as YPNM is linked to several people involved with Umno.

He demanded that action be taken against those found involved in abuse of power related to giving approval for this scheme to YPNM without an open tender,  including prosecuting in court.

Debate can take place anywhere, any time

Ng said the debate with the transport minister could take place at any venue, including live over Radio-Television Malaysia or over private television stations, on a date and time convenient to Liow.

“Liow must face the public so that all the secrecy surrounding the scheme can be judged by the people,” he said, adding that they therefore rejected the invitation to dialogue with YPNM.

YPNM deputy chairperson Nadzim Johan ( photo ) invited Ng, Liew and Nga, who had criticised the Patriot car number plate auction scheme, to a live dialogue session on television next week to understand each other better.

"We want to try to exchange ideas, to know why are they so unhappy," Nadzim said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on July 31.

Meanwhile, Ng urged YPNM to publicise the full contract it inked with the Road and Transport Department, and to make public its accounts so that the people know what happens to the money YPNM would profit from the scheme.

He said whatever profit YPNM obtained would actually be losses incurred by RTD and the federal government.

This scheme should be handled by the RTD, not by a third party that only intends to make a profit.

“As a complainant who lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on this scheme, I urge the MACC to publicise the progress of its investigation into this matter,” Ng added.