Raymond tells SUDC to lodge police report against Junz’s claim
KOTA KINABALU: Junz Wong’s ultimatum backfired as Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Raymond Tan Shu Kiah said he was no longer willing to give documents related to a housing project in Kinarut to the Parti Warisan Sabah (WARISAN) Vice President.
Raymond said Junz’ oneweek deadline demanding documents to prove no foulplay was involved in the joint venture project between Sabah Urban Development Corporation (SUDC) and a private company was just another political ploy to create doubt on the integrity of the ruling government.
The Deputy Chief Minister instead is now strongly recommending SUDC to lodge a police report against Junz’s December 6 claim that SUDC might have received kickback as the 238 acre land was sold and transferred to the private firm cheaply at RM13.2 million, something the latter claimed was way under the up to RM150 million market price.
Raymond believed the Warisan vice president’s decision to publicize the matter negatively in the media showed that Junz was not interested in the truth.
He added highlighting the involvement of the private firm’s director, Teo Chit Ming, who was allegedly under investigation with a relative involved in the Sabah Watergate scandal was just another one of Junz’ “political game” to create another allusion of a corrupt government project.
Therefore, he said there was no point in handing the valuation report and joint venture agreement just to respond to Junz’s “political antics”.
“I am not going to give him the valuation report, no need, and I am also not going to give him the joint venture report,” said Raymond at press conference here yesterday.
“Don’t worry because the plan was submitted to the Papar District Council for approval and until today the plan has not been approved,” said Raymond, who is also Industrial Development Minister.
“So at the time when the plan is approved, Yang Berhormat (Junz) can go to Papar District Council and get the development plan.
“Look you continue to make accusations for a political agenda so there is nothing I can do to show you in order to tell you the truth about the matter and from your statement, I don’t think Yang Berhormat is interested at all,” he added.
Raymond stressed the investigations related to the Sabah Watergate scandal had nothing to do with and had no impact on the SUDC joint venture development.
“Up to today, we have no problems. But if any person of that company is investigated for any wrong-doing, not put into prison and what-not, we will continue with the project,” he said.
“If this developer is in trouble, I will ask SUDC to take over,” assured Raymond.
Raymond affirmed legal consultation had shown that Junz’ action of dragging SUDC through the mud and smearing its reputation with possibilities of corruption falls equals to criminal defamation under Section 499 of the Malaysian Penal Code.
“This is a crime that you (Junz) have committed under our criminal law. You may not be aware of it but I am telling you now,” said Raymond adding that SUDC is deliberating on reporting the matter to the police.
“This (lodging a police report) is a recommendation, a very strong one, to SUDC,” he added, stressing that the government was not interested in getting money but in getting justice and fairness for SUDC.
SUDC managing director Haizar R H Ajaz Najiban clarified that SUDC entered the joint venture to develop the Kinarut land in 2014.
He said, the development involved building about 1,500 units of terrace house and 32 units of shophouse.
According to Haizar, SUDC estimates show around RM325 million in cost development and RM453 million in Gross Development Value (GDV) for the total development.
He said, provided in the joint venture (JV) agreement was SUDC’s share of 20% from the affordable housing development profit.
In terms of land development, he said only approximately 140 acres of the 238 acres of land can be developed because of the swamp conservation and environmental protection stated in the local plan.
He clarified transferring the land was provided for in the JV agreement to facilitate certain part payments in adherence to the JV agreement with the private company.