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Published: Thursday June 11, 2009 MYT 2:34:00 PM
Updated: Thursday June 11, 2009 MYT 8:32:28 PM

Task force on PKFZ to recommed 'cures' for project


KUALA LUMPUR: The task force and committees which were formed in connection with the Port Klang Free Zone issue is to recommend “cures” for the project and not conduct probes, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

Clarifying certain media reports, Ong said: “We have had enough of investigations and that is why we came up with the PKFZ reports.”

“The people named in the list which I announced are to find a solution and chart the way forward for PKFZ,” he told reporters at his constituency service centre in Taman Muda in Cheras here on Thursday.

His announcement on Wednesday, he added, was a follow-up to his statements made on May 28 after the release of the PKFZ audit report to the public.

“At that time, I promised and said all weaknesses and misappropriation would be followed up independently and the entrusted parties would find the cure or the solution via the admission that has been done to the Port Klang committee. “I made the promise and now I am carrying it out,” he said, adding that the “road map to a new lease of life” should be ready in two months.

Ong said certain quarters had become confused by saying the task force and corporate governance committee formed by the Port Klang Authority as well as the Port Klang Free Zone executive committee were entrusted to investigate the matter.

On DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang’s criticisms on the handling of the PKFZ issue, Ong said: “He is barking up the wrong tree. I have been instrumental in getting the report released with the approval by the Cabinet and not Kit Siang.”

When told that the Opposition was expected to raise the issue in Parliament, Ong said they could raise it anywhere and not just in Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee said it would call the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to its meeting next Wednesday over the PKFZ investigations. PAC chairman Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid said PAC would also give its feedback to MACC after calling PKA officials and PricewaterhouseCoopers auditors.

Although the PAC had no power to investigate, it would work together with MACC, he said.

“PAC wants MACC to carry out a thorough investigation to determine the necessary action to be taken next,” he said after chairing the two-day meeting.

PKA board chairman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, who appeared before the PAC, said the PKFZ report would be available online (http://www.pkfznews.com.my/download-pka-report) until nobody wanted to read it.

“The public can also post their questions related to PKFZ and a team of officers, including myself, will answer them as soon as possible,” said Lee, adding that 11 questions had been posted and answered.

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