(Kuala Lumpur, Khamis): DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that the Government should be truly transparent in assessing compensations for the cancellation of the scenic Johor half bridge, so that Malaysians will not be short-changed.

Dr Tan comments on the scenic bridge contractor, Gerbang Perdana's claim of RM360 million, for the cancellation of the bridge project as reported in the media on 3 July, 2006. Gerbang Perdana Selatan Bersepadu Sdn Bhd has done some works before the cancellation and the consortium has been paid over RM100 million. How many of the eight scopes of works after the cancellation are given to Gerbang Perdana?

As the Johor bridge project has been cancelled since March, 2006, controversies over the amount of compensation for the loss of profits loom. When the sum of RM100 million appeared in the media after the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu was unhappy. Now, the figure escalates to RM360 million. The minister said that the contractor had asked for all sorts of compensations which the ministry could not entertain.

Samy has directed Public Works Department (PWD) director-general Datuk Dr Wahid Omar to conduct an investigation into the claims.

"Everything will be done like an Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) probe. I have instructed Dr Wahid not to be afraid of anybody and to do what he thinks is right, and to report only to me," he added.

Dr Wahid heads the Claims Committe that handles the claims from the contractor. We hope that he is truly thorough in his assessment.

PAC has asked the Auditor-General, the Works Ministry and the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) to present the criteria and the practice of managing claims from contractors and tolled road concessionaires. We need transparency.

What will be the final amount approved by the Government from the claims of Gerbang Perdana for the loss of profits due to cancellation of the scenic bridge? What are the justifications. The public like to know.