A PKR leader has lambasted the multi-billion ringgit Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) project, claiming that the BN government has ulterior motives in implementing it.

This can be seen in the ambiguous explanations provided by the government when it comes to matters like the stages of development, contract offers and tenders, PKR secretary general Khalid Ibrahim told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

"RM177 billion will be invested in this project and one third of it comes from taxpayers' money. Hence, the opposition and the public must ask questions so that the matter will not be left to the discretion of those who are in control," he said. .

"They say that NCER is developing more wealth and the people will become more rich? How so? There must be studies on the economic feasibility of this project. If it does generate wealth, who will profit from it? As far I am concerned, this is merely a standard public relations exercise," Khalid stressed.

He added that he would not be surprised if the NCER is part of the election manifesto of the BN for the coming general election.

No marketing plan

"As long as the ruling party has corrupt leaders, mega-projects like this will continue to be a 'white elephant' enterprise similar to the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC)," he said.

Khalid also questioned why development priority is given to the rice growth sector when Malaysia cannot compete with its neighbours, especially Thailand.

"NCER does not include a thoroughly developed marketing plan and this can result in the invaluable surplus of rice stocks resulting in the plunging of price.

"This also reflects the failure of the [twice a year] rice growing method introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture," he said.

On the MTUC's demand for minimum wage, Khalid Ibrahim said there seems to be an apparent contradiction in the government's stance on the issue.

"If the government is serious about increasing the wages of workers supposedly through the NCER, why not agree with MTUC on the minimum wage issue now?" he asked.