Media statement by Lim Guan Eng in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, 17^th April 2012: 

PM must give a full explanation in the public interest whether KGNS Land Grab is another "piratisation" scheme  

Reports yesterday indicated that billionaire industrialist Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary and Sunway Bhd have submitted a proposal to acquire 330 acres of prime real estate controlled by Kelab Golf Negara Subang (KGNS), which includes two 18-hole golf courses with a commercial value estimated at over RM 5 billion. It is learnt that Perspective Lane (M) Sdn Bhd, a private investment vehicle controlled by Syed Mokhtar, and Sunway City Sdn Bhd, had submitted a plan late last year to the Federal government.

Even though KGNS president Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas has denied that Syed Moktar is involved, an application appears to be submitted by some parties to acquire the 330 acres land site. To verify whether these reports are true, the Prime Minister needs to give a full explanation to uphold accountability in the interests of the public as well as the club members. Once again, it would appear that not only is a multi-billion ringgit privatisation deal being conducted without open competitive tenders, but it also appears to be another potential land grab similar to what is happening with the MRT project on heritage areas in Kuala Lumpur.

This KGNS land grab is set to become yet another "piratisation" exercise that exemplifies the rent-seeking and crony capitalistic culture synonymous with the BN government. However, this time the proposal has evoked a strong and emotional response even from prominent UMNO members. KGNS president Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin, who is also a member of the UMNO disciplinary committee, has even denounced the move as potential "political suicide" for the BN government.

The Prime Minister must clarify whether the "piratisation" of KGNS land is actually going to happen, and if so reveal details to the public. If not, all his talk about transformation will be proven to be meaningless. The only thing the Najib and BN has managed to prove is that regardless whether 1 Malaysia is genunine or sincere, there are no racial boundaries when it comes to daylight robbery of land grab. It is not just the Chinese, Iban, Kadazan, Orang Asli or the Indians but even the Malays who have become victims to the 1Malaysia land grab.

*Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary General & MP for Bagan