PHEE KEEPS MUM, DENIES HAVING RM2M
Sungai Puyu rep did not take questions from the press
BALVIN KAUR
GEORGE TOWN balvinkaur@nst.com.my
WHAT was supposed to be a “tell all” session by Phee Boon Poh on the controversy surrounding the illegal carbon filter factory in Sungai Lembu turned out to be a “downer” when he did not address anything.
The state Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman instead came to the press conference with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, and merely read a statement on news reports over his personal bank accounts allegedly being frozen.
Phee did not take questions from members of the press.
Sitting beside Phee, Lim told the press that the former would not be speaking to journalists pending the completion of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigations.
He said questions should instead be addressed to Phee’s lawyer, R.S.N. Rayer.
This was contrary to Lim’s promise a week ago that Phee “would explain the Sungai Lembu factory fiasco” once he returned from medical leave.
Much to the disappointment of journalists, Phee had only denied having RM2 million in his bank accounts. He also said he had not been served any notice by MACC informing him that his personal bank accounts had been frozen.
“My family and I were shocked to read false newspaper reports that RM2 million in my four personal bank accounts have been frozen by MACC. It is wrong for such information to be disclosed or published in the press, especially when I was not informed. I only read about it in Barisan Nasional-controlled newspapers,” he said.
On Aug 10, MACC and other government agencies raided the factory in Sungai Lembu. In a follow up to investigations, MACC raided the Seberang Prai Municipal Council licensing department office and Phee’s office.
Phee was arrested along with two others — the factory’s 70year-old manager and the manager’s 37-year-old son, a director.
Phee, who is Sungai Puyu assemblyman, is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 for abuse of power for gratification.
On Aug 14, a High Court here set aside a five-day remand order MACC obtained for Phee and the two others from a lower court.
Phee said his lawyer had requested to meet with MACC officers yesterday to get his personal effects, but was told that they could only meet him another day.
Asked about Phee’s personal bank accounts, Rayer merely said that they “were not sure” as they were not officially informed by MACC.
The press conference ended with numerous questions — on Phee’s role in the Sungai Lembu factory issue; the reason why no action was taken against the factory; and, the alleged letter Phee wrote ordering no action be taken against the factory — left unanswered.