MACC Urged to Investigate Ku Nan for RM42.8 Billion Land Sale Without Open Tender

What a time to be alive for Malaysians as drama just keeps brewing ever since Tun Mahathir took over Putrajaya.

The latest individual who’s under the spotlight right now is former Federal Territories minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, or better known as Ku Nan. He was the head of the Federal Territories Foundation and was responsible for overseeing the sales of 64 parcels of land since 2013 in the region. Kepong MP, Lim Lip Eng had recently lodged a report to MACC against Ku Nan, according to NST.

“I told the MACC that the first individual they should investigate is Tengku Adnan, because he was the one who approved the selling of the lands. He was also involved with the foundation. 

“Maybe FT deputy minister Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan and the mayor should be investigated too, as they are part of the foundation,” Lim told the reporters at the MACC office.

So, what’s wrong with the deal and why should MACC look into it?

Apparently, since 2013, 64 lands measuring a total of 171.7 hectares worth RM4.28 billion were sold without open tender, Lim said.

“Furthermore, it was said that the lots were to provide affordable homes for the people. However, upon further checks, we found that only a part (the lots were allotted) for the purpose (of affordable homes). 

“We are not against the housing projects and purchasers. (But) we want to look at the transactions,” he added. 

He went on clarifying that all development projects that have received the green light will proceed but those that are still pending approval shall be temporarily stopped. This is to give time to the new government to review the land deals and to make sure that they are done through open tender. 

Responding to Lim’s accusations, Loga Bala said he welcomes any investigations by the authorities.

“Feel free to investigate me because my conscience is clear. Personally, I have nothing to hide.

“First of all, I want to clarify that my KPI was mainly to clear housing, licensing issue involving the public, like getting the squatters a proper house and PPR (housing for the poor) units. I had nothing to do with the tenders or land deals when I was the FT deputy minister,” he said.

Loga added that the minister and those assigned to handle the task are responsible for the land deals, not him. Also, he left the foundation as the deputy chairman in 2016.

Lastly, Loga urged those who rose to power not to simply throw accusations around. “Many people have sincerely carried out their responsibilities and work but to make general accusations and dropping names is not ethical or appropriate,” he said. 

At the time of writing, Ku Nan has yet to release any official statement regarding these accusations. Let’s hope MACC doesn’t find any elements of corruption in the land deals, otherwise he’d be in deep trouble! 

 

Also read: Former Judge Urges Govt to Probe Razak Over Submarine Deal and Altantuya Murder