The site on which Umno Sabah's new building is being built in Kota Kinabalu was donated by Accodon Sdn Bhd, owned by Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman's brother-in-law Mohd Sapawie Tussin.

Whereas the 13-storey building's contractor is Sabico Sdn Bhd, said Mohd Sapawie when contacted today.

A company search confirmed this and also identified the company's other director and shareholder as Masrin Asi.

According to Mohd Sapawie, the state government had approved the acquisition of the three-hectare land in 2001 when Sabah was headed by then CM Chong Kah Kiat.

Mohd Sapawie, who is also the state Umno Sipitang Branch vice-chairperson, added that the project underwent an open-tender process in which Sabico secured the deal.

He also revealed that in exchange for the land, his company Accodon, will own part of the building.

However, he has yet to plan on what will be done with the unused parts at the site.

Hot issue

Mohd Sapawie was commenting on a letter to malaysiakini that alleged there was something amiss with the project.

The letter writer had, among other things, questioned Umno's rational for choosing not to use the party's two-hectare land in Sembulan as well as made queries on the identity of the building's owner.

The project was also heatedly talked about in the East-Malaysian state because there were allegations that the business community were uncomfortable at being asked to contribute financially to it.

Mohd Sapawie said the building's construction is expected to cost around RM40 million and its completion scheduled for 2007.

Meanwhile, an Umno Sabah division head, who declined to be named, said the project was decided upon at Umno's state liaison meeting in Kota Kinabalu last July.

He said all Sabah branch heads unanimously supported the decision on the project because it reflected the party's strength in the state.

"The building site's choice, right smack in the city centre, was also agreed upon in that particular meeting," he said when contacted.

The division head added that the building's construction is part of the CM's continuous efforts to secure Umno's stronghold and landmark in the state.

"Musa himself looked for the project's finances from various sources," he disclosed.

He said that only a part of the building will be used as Umno's state administration centre whereas the rest will be rented out in a bid to fill the party coffers.

Slanderous letter

Contacted yesterday, Umno Sabah treasurer Hajiji Noor, who is currently in Australia, had refused to comment on the matter.

"There is nothing wrong with the project. Everything's legal," was all he said.

Musa yesterday said the letter was slanderous and a lie.

"Those who create these stories do not want to see Umno's roots strengthened in Sabah. They are jealous of Umno Sabah," he added.

The chief minister said he will issue a statement on the matter soon.