YB Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik

Minister,

Energy, Water and Communications Ministry,

Block E 4/5, Parcel E,

Kompleks Kerajaan Putrajaya.        

Malaysia.                                                                                                        

Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri,

We wish to convey the shock, sorrow and even anger felt by not only by the people of Melaka but throughout the nation at the tragic deaths of four young children who died in a fire during the early hours of the morning at 1 am 16 August 2006 in Kampung Hilir, Melaka. The police’s preliminary investigations suspect a short-circuit.

We have received many calls and messages questioning how there could be two fires in a space of one week both caused by a suspected short-circuit. The first fire on 10 August 2006       burnt down a wooden house making a family homeless. Fortunately the first fire caused by a suspected short-circuit did not result in any injuries or loss of life.

The second fire yesterday was a neighbouring house only   days later. Unfortunately four children died  Lim Lai Shen, six, Jo Juan, seven, Ju Seng, 10, and their aunt Lio Chun Yee. The tragic deaths of four young children have touched the hearts of many families who can only imagine the painful loss of their parents.

Many questions have been asked whether Tenaga Nasional Bhd(TNB), after carrying out  investigations on the first fire caused by a short-circuit could have taken the necessary preventive measures that may have avoided the second fire. To ensure that TNB can answer these questions and assure the public that there is no cover-up, DAP demands a full independent inquiry on this shocking tragedy.

Such a full independent inquiry should determine the cause of the fire and whether TNB missed anything in the first fire that could have prevented the second tragic fire. Such a full independent inquiry is necessary and must be speedily carried out not only to assure justice to the young victims but ensure that there is no repeat of this terrible tragedy. To secure public confidence of the credibility and integrity of these investigations, the members of the inquiry must be professionally qualified, neutral and not directly associated with TNB.

Once again we wish to convey the public’s deep sorrow at such a tragedy and the public’s firm demand that no stone be left unturned in these investigations. Thank you.

(17/08/2006)