_______________

Media Statement

by Lim Guan Eng

___________________

(Petaling Jaya, Friday): The Anti-Corruption Agency’s (ACA) investigations into the sub-standard work and materials used causing building defects in the new RM 270 million Court Complex is a mere academic exercise when the Public Works Department (PWD) should also be investigated as the real culprit for approving it. Whilst DAP welcomes the prompt action taken by ACA under new ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan even though no report was lodged, the public does not expect any action to be taken.because it has been disillusioned by ACA’s non-performance in the past. 

The New Straits Times today revealed that the ACA  had opened a file on the contractor, Johawaki Sdn Bhd, and the plumber of the new RM270 million Court Complex in Jalan Duta after the cafeteria was flooded following a burst pipe three days ago. The courts leaking problems continued when the walls of the lock-ups at Sessions Court I and II were soaked with water from leaking water pipe.  

A senior ACA officer was quoted as saying that ACA visited the contractor’s office in Shah Alam yesterday and examined building plans and specifications as well as receipts and invoices of building materials purchased. DAP considers it unlikely that any action would be taken as the contractor can easily cover themselves against any allegations of violating procedures by reason of approval from PWD.  

Otherwise why would PWD accept delivery of the building and allow the court complex to be opened and operational in 3 May 2007? By allowing the court complex to be opened and operational signifies that PWD or any approving authority from the government is satisfied with the building according to the technical specifications set. 

DAP suggests that the ACA should investigate officials from PWD and any other approving authority to prevent such investigations from turning into a circus show where there is “all noise but no action”. For too long public funds of billions of ringgit has been lost because contractors continue to get paid and escape unpunished despite doing shoddy work. ACA’s credibility under its new Director-General is at stake if there is no positive result from what are clearly gross improprieties and mismanagement in the building of the RM 270 million Court Complex.