I refer to the letter 1st Silicon, BPP: Let's have some answers . I can roughly tell your readers some hidden stories about 1st Silicon.

Whoever has been involved in 1st Silicon's set up - be it a politician, an engineering firm, the architect, the equipment suppliers, all could tell you how much money has been channeled out of Sarawak.

Based on estimates regarding wafer fab facilities around the world, it normally takes about US$250 million to set up a 8" wafer fab facility like 1st Silicon. And 1st Silicon was set up during the worst cycle of semiconductor industry.

It could be set up for an even much lesser amount than US$250 million. However, it was jacked up to as high as US$400 million for no reason than just for the main wafer fab structure itself.

Everyone in the industry know that someone in the finance department took care of the 'in-s' and 'out-s' of the money. Every one in Kuching knows who got a certain contract. One of them happens to be related to those in power.

Why is1st Silicon in financial trouble? Just imagine - the employee turnover is more than 100 percent within a span of three years. You could tell how bad the situation is.

The intention of setting up a high-tech company could be good. However, if money is being siphoned out, the problem could haunt us forever.