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Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik Must Direct Tenaga Nasional Bhd To Compensate Consumers For The Losses Suffered During The Three Hour Blackout Over The 5 States Of Federal Territory, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Melaka Press Statement by Lim Guan Eng (Petaling Jaya, Thursday): Minister Of Energy Water & Communications Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik must direct Tenaga Nasional Bhd to compensate consumers for the losses suffered during the three hour blackout over the 5 states of Federal Territory, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Melaka. DAP leaders in these 5 states have received numerous complaints from consumers and businessmen of inconvenience, traffic jams and losses suffered from the unexpected power breakdown.  Whilst Datuk Seri Dr Lim and Tenaga can talk in technical terms the reasons behind the breakdown, the fact remains that Tenaga has failed in its primary statutory duty to ensure regular power supply. Such failure is unacceptable and must not be left unpunished. Apart from the officials directly responsible Tenaga must be made to pay for their mistakes.  After all, if power supply can be cut for not paying bills, then Tenaga should likewise be punished for not ensuring supply.   Since the last national power breakdown in 1996, the government has given assurances that it has taken steps to ensure that there will be no repeat. Clearly the government and Tenaga has proven once again that promises are made to be broken. What happened to those expensive contracts above market rates were given to certain business groups close to the BN top leaders? There was a proliferation of Independent Power Producers(IPPs) that generated power with guaranteed purchase by Tenaga at high prices thereby guaranteeing high profits to these IPPs.  This power breakdown will affect Malaysia’s standing in the eyes of investors reinforcing the image of “First World infrastructure, Third World maintenance”. Clearly TNB new Chief Executive Officer Datuk Che Khalib Mohd Noh should spend some time on the technical and engineering aspects instead of concentrating only on the financial issues. Whatever the cause of failure, it is vital that stern measures be taken including a complete overhaul and revamp of Tenaga Nasional. (13/1/2005) * Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary-General