Menteri Besar Incorporated (MB Inc) received a total of RM53.6 million commitment fees for projects as at May 2018. The breakdown is as follow: RM1.2 million for exploration fees, RM6.1 million for quarry agreements, RM1.4 million for mining leases, RM25.5 million for joint-venture agreements and RM19.4 million for development rights.
This amount should be deposited into the bank and not to be used until the completion of the projects. Only then can MB Inc claim that the money is theirs.
“However, upon checking the account, we found that a substantial amount of the money has been expended. The amount left in the account presently is only RM13.5 million. RM40.1 million had been spent. Former Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Zambry Abd Kadir and Chairman of Barisan Nasional Perak, Dato’ Saarani are responsible to inform the people of Perak the whereabouts of the RM40.1 million,” said Nga Kor Ming (DAP – Aulong).
“The state government is being dragged to court by companies who wanted their money back. We’re facing claims worth RM18 million. The amount is expected to increase, as we’ve to refund money to companies who don’t wish to continue their projects or leases,” he told to reporters during a break of the State Legislative Assembly final sitting on Wednesday, December 5.
“For example, a company pays a commitment fee for a mining lease and when no mineral is found, the money collected by MB Inc has to be refunded,” Nga added.
“There is a shortfall of RM40.1 million and we’re facing a RM18-million legal suit due to mismanagement by the previous Barisan Nasional government. This explains why Dato’ Saarani is creating a storm, as though there is a rebellion within the state government. The state legislative assembly ends today but Dato’ Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu is still the MB. This proves that Dato’ Saarani is lying all along,” said Nga.
“The people of Perak are much smarter than what Barisan Nasional leaders think. We’re focusing on the welfare of the people and development of the state yet Dato’ Saarani, a veteran leader, is thinking of usurping power using dirty tactics. Please respect the parliamentary democracy system,” he reminded.
“As DAP Perak Chairman, I guarantee that the 18 DAP state assemblymen are solidly behind the MB. There is no “komplot” whatsoever,” he insisted.
Present at the conference were Sivasubramaniam (DAP-Buntong), Chong Zhemin (DAP – Keranji) and Leow Thai Yih (DAP-Pokok Assam).
Mei Kuan
