Perak reps petition state PAC to investigate airport land sale
Two Perak Pakatan Harapan assemblypersons have formally petitioned the state’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) urging it to investigate the sale of state land in Seri Iskandar that was earmarked for the construction of an international airport.
According to Simpang Pulai assemblyperson Tan Kar Hing and Keranji assemblyperson Chong Zhemin, the committee should obtain relevant documents from....
Two Perak Pakatan Harapan assemblypersons have formally petitioned the state’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) urging it to investigate the sale of state land in Seri Iskandar that was earmarked for the construction of an international airport.
According to Simpang Pulai assemblyperson Tan Kar Hing and Keranji assemblyperson Chong Zhemin, the committee should obtain relevant documents from the state government and determine whether the transaction is above board.
The duo - who are Perak PAC members - held a press conference at the PAC’s office this morning before submitting the letter to Perak PAC chairperson Mohd Tarmizi Idris’ office.
“We hope this matter won’t be simply a war of words. Since there are different claims on how the sale transpired, a more detailed explanation is needed.
“This is very important not just to determine which authority had approved the sale of the land. The process by which the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) sells land to private enterprises, the pricing, payment mechanisms, and so on, must be ascertained,” said Tan.
PAC only met once
He noted that the PAC has only met once since it was formed in August last year, and hoped Tarmizi would expedite its next meeting.
Meanwhile, Chong proposed that the committee should study the issue from three aspects.
“First, whether due process was followed in the sale of the land, and if not, whether the state government can cancel the deal and reclaim the land.
“Second, whether the price of the land is reasonable or below market price, and whether there is corruption involved in the transaction.
“Third, how was the land sold despite having been gazetted as an airport reserve, and has even obtained planning permission,” he said.
Chong also urged Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad to suspend or nullify the planning permission for the land pending investigation.
Previously, Saarani had said the land meant for a new international airport had been sold to a private company during the Pakatan Harapan administration of the state
However, Asmuni Awi - who was state exco member and PKNP director at the time - said no such sale was ever discussed during state exco meetings or PKNP board meetings.
The MACC is investigating the matter after receiving complaints from Asmuni.
Saarani had said he would leave it to the authorities to investigate the matter.
As for calls to revoke planning permission for the land, Bernama quoted the menteri besar today saying that the matter is the Perak Tengah District Council’s (MDPT) prerogative.
“In this case, it is the president of MDPT who has the power to do so. We cannot arbitrarily decide the matter (to cancel the planning permission) which is against the rules and laws,” he reportedly said.
