Works Minister S Samy Vellu should attend the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting scheduled for June 22 and explain 'more positively' on why the government must fork out hundreds of millions even after scrapping the half bridge project.

"At 9.30am on June 22, we shall be waiting for Samy (Vellu) at the committee room in Parliament," said PAC deputy chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw in a statement today.

"We hope, he will turn up to make intelligible to the PAC the further expenditure," he added.

The ministry had estimated the cost at RM740 million. This includes compensating the contractor and the construction of a new highway and connecting roads.

However, the cost could surpass the RM1 billion mark if the Johor government is paid the RM380 million land premium it reportedly asked from the federal government due to the cancellation of the project.

Tan, who is also Kepong MP, said the PAC expects Samy Vellu to reveal ways on reducing the cost for the remedial works without the half-bridge.

Arouses suspicion

For example, he said the 15-metre high elevated bridge is estimated at RM280 million, connecting roads RM190 million, preliminary works RM170 million and compensation to the contractor RM100 million.

Tan said the claims committee has its own criteria.

"According to usual estimates, every kilometre of a four-lane elevated bridge costs RM20 million, six-lane RM40-50 million and eight-lane RM75 million.

"In an unusual circumstance, the above stated eight-lane elevated bridge costs RM280 million. This arouses suspicion," he added.

Tan, who is also DAP national deputy chairperson, said: "It requires the works minister to come personally to cut the Gordian knot."

Samy Vellu had previously accused the PAC of meddling in its affairs and refused to attend its meeting. The committee warned that he could be cited for contempt of Parliament.