PAC to table report on controversial marina projects

PETALING JAYA: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is set to table its findings on the controversial marina projects worth RM323.5mil, of which several ended up becoming white elephants.

At least 11 marina projects, under the Eighth and Ninth Malaysia Plans, were cited in the AuditorGeneral’s Report 2017, which caught the attention of the PAC.

“The PAC will be tabling its findings and recommendations over these public marina projects.

“The report touches on Transport, Public Works and Economic Affairs ministries,” said PAC deputy chairman Wong Kah Woh yesterday.

Under the AG’s Series 1 Report, some RM61.55mil in losses occurred when two marinas, built under the previous administration, ended up as white elephants after their completion.

The marina projects in question were in Kuala Kedah, completed in 2003, and Pulau Mentagor in Perak, completed in 2010.

Also under investigations were the marinas in Muar, Johor and Tanjong City Marina in Penang, which stopped operations owing to serious structural faults.

Separately, Wong said the PAC proceedings would continue as usual despite recent talk over the fate of its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.

Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said that he was bound by Standing Order 77 of Parliament, which governs the appointment of the PAC chairman and his deputy.

Under the rule, he said Parliament was only bound to appoint a new PAC chairman or deputy in the absence due to either illness or any other reasons.