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Public debate on land scams? PDF Print E-mail
Monday, 04 August 2008 12:38am

Lim Guan EngKoh Tsu Koon©The Sun (Used by permission)
by Bernard Cheah

GEORGETOWN (Aug 3, 2008): Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today he would not mind having a public debate with his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon on the two land scams totalling RM124 million, as a last resort.

"If a public debate is the only way Koh can come clean and be accountable to the people, then I have no choice but to conduct it; to know the true nature of the two scandals and what exactly happened," he said. 

"(But) I'm neither challenging or inviting him for a debate," said Lim when asked on the notion of having a public debate to discuss the land scams, after a DAP brain-storming session attended by over 30 DAP state assemblymen and Members of Parliament today.

Lim said Koh had refused to come clean even though he has written letters and sent SMSes to him since taking over as Chief Minister in March.

On July 28, former deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya admitted responsibility for one of the two land deal scams mentioned in state assembly on Monday; which is the approval a 10.6 acre plot to an individual, apparently a quarry operator.

The individual took the case to court when the then state government cancelled the land transfer, and the court ordered the state to pay RM29 million. With interest accruing at 8% per annum since 2004, the compensation might reach RM 40 million.

The other case which allegedly involve "embezzlement" in land acquisitions, is said to cost the state RM84 million in loses.

Lim said he was puzzled as to how Koh and his administration then had allowed such scandals to happen.
 

Comments (4)Add Comment
Who are we to be further indoctrinated?
written by Tan Peek Guat, Monday, August 04 2008 11:22 am

Every PUBLIC issue needs to be PUBLICLY DEBATED. It is only from such debates that we are able to assess for ourselves the capacity, capability, transparency, sincerity and honesty of the speakers, and of the leaders whom we had/have chosen.

With such public debates, we can see and hear for ourselves in all that need to be seen and heard, and have our doubts cleared.

Also, in such instances, we need not be indoctrinated by the LIARS, COMPELLERS, PROPELLERS, and INDOCTRINATORS who unashamedly make fools out of us - even globally, shaming us Malaysians, and then, say, well, afterall, WHO ARE THE MALAYSIANS, WHERE ARE THE MALAYSIANS?

By the way, what do we call ourselves?????

Tan Peek Guat

The debate will reveal the real situations.
written by Tan Peek Guat, Monday, August 04 2008 01:03 pm

To clear all doubts in the minds of our people, if Koh has nothing to hide, then he has to accept the challenge for a public debate over the issues raised, now that Lim has voiced out about it.

Koh needs to portray the 'stuff that he is made of' - if he is of 'good character', of of the desired characters of a politician, even though he may be a reserved person by nature, or by his acts and personality - which is probably the public's perception of him as a leader. Koh should not allow his image to be tarnished - unless he is guilty of any misconduct.

Tan Peek Guat

Rpely to Tan Peek Guat
written by Lim Teik Han, Penang (via email), Monday, August 04 2008 08:17 pm

I am writing in response to Tan Peek Guat’s posting pertaining to the article “Public debate on land scams?” published on your website.

I am very surprised after reading Peek Guat’s unequivocal support to a public debate. Peek Guat, being an advocate and solicitor, should be well aware of that, it is a sub judice that may lead to contempt of court proceedings, should a public debate is held. YAB Lim Guan Eng said it in political language, but this does not warrant the postings on the Bar website could dance together with political rhythmic that may interfere due process of law.

Lim Teik Han
Penang

If possible, please email to me the facts of the legal dispute.
written by Tan Peek Guat, Tuesday, August 05 2008 08:00 am

Hi Teik Han,

I am unaware of any legal proceedings which may be on-going. Your posting has now revealed this to me - which has indeed come to me as a surprise. Please be informed that it is never my nature, will nor desire to be acting in contempt of court. Please therefore, do not create any misintepretation.

If this is the case, then, on the face of the challenge posted by Lim to Koh, I stongly feel that Koh needs to emphasize to the public the reasons as to why he cannot and should not accept Lim's challenge instead of keeping mum about it.

Silence is not consent and it does breed a lot of filth and contempt!

Thank you.

Tan Peek Guat


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