The investigation into the previous management of the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) regarding two plots of land allegedly sold below market value has been welcomed by its former chairperson Shabudin Yahaya.

He said the entire former board of Perda hoped the investigation will clarify all arising issues in the matter, adding that the former team was ready to co-operate with and assist the new chairperson Mohd Haniff Khatri Abdulla and Perda’s management to resolve these issues.

"The decisions by the board of directors of Perda were all made by consensus in every meeting of Perda," Shabudin said in a press conference in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, today.

He added that they had been closely monitored by top officials, such as those from the Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU), the Finance Ministry and Economic Planning Unit.

Shabudin said the Perda board of directors has done much to improve procedures and systems in the agency.

"The Perda board has always put the interest of Perda in line with the stated objectives in the Perda Act (1983), to ensure its functions reach the intended target, the bumiputera of Penang," he added.

Shabudin then expressed hope that the case could be resolved in a "just and beneficial" manner for all parties.

"We hope to be able to clarify and put to rest all the misunderstandings that arise from the issue," Shabudin said.

Shabudin was responding to Haniff who announced that Perda was suing Shabudin, former board members and purchasers who were involved in two land sales which were allegedly conducted below market value.

In a press conference held in Butterworth yesterday, Haniff said two separate suits were filed on Feb 13 and 14 at the High Court in George Town to repossess the said land or demand for damages with interest, as the agency had suffered losses due to the cheap land sale.

The two plots were a 9.36-acre are in Kampung Tok Keramat, Nibong Tebal, worth RM17.7 million and a 5.8-acre in Sungai Baong, Jawi, worth RM1.9 million.

Haniff said the cases involved allegations of fraud, misuse of power, and excess negligence.

Shabudin is Tasek Gelugor MP and a former Umno member who joined Bersatu on Feb 12.

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