Selection of new palace contractor questioned
The Sun (22/5/08): Selection of Maya Maju (M) Sdn Bhd to build the new Istana Negara wasraised in Parliament on Wednesday by Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) during the winding-up speech by Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed.
He asked why the project was given to Maya Maju which is not registered either with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) or the Contractor Service Centre (PKK).
Mohd Zin said the company has been registered as a grade G7 contractor with CIDB effective Aug 8, 2006, until Aug 7, 2009, but it has been given exemption from registration with PKK.
Mahfuz was not satisfied, saying this move would only deny the credibility of other PKK registered companies.
Zin stressed that the ministry has been professional in discharging its duties responsibly, saying: "The government believes that the design-and-build concept and direct negotiation is the (suitable) process to ensure all objectives are achieved. Of course, we have considered everything thoroughly."
In Nov 2006, the Dewan was told a new palace complex costing RM400 million will be built on Jalan Duta to replace the Istana Negara which has been used since 1928. It was slated for completion in 2009.
Last December, the ministry announced the complex will cost RM650 million, inclusive of additional work as the original estimates did not take into account certain costs, such as earth works, road construction and palace workers’ quarters.
On another matter, Zin said the ministry will consider taking over all toll highways, including the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway, as a measure to help alleviate the burden faced by people.
However, he added, the matter needs to be looked into thoroughly, therefore a committee headed by the Malaysian Highway Authority chairman has been set up at ministry level for this purpose.
To a question from Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Rasah), Zin said the ministry needs three months to come back with a decision as it involves 22 concessionaires and the study would be done in stages.
To Che Rosli Che Mat’s (BN-Hulu Langat) question, he said the Kajang-Seremban Highway, its completion delayed by various reasons, will be completed soon.
He asked why the project was given to Maya Maju which is not registered either with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) or the Contractor Service Centre (PKK).
Mohd Zin said the company has been registered as a grade G7 contractor with CIDB effective Aug 8, 2006, until Aug 7, 2009, but it has been given exemption from registration with PKK.
Mahfuz was not satisfied, saying this move would only deny the credibility of other PKK registered companies.
Zin stressed that the ministry has been professional in discharging its duties responsibly, saying: "The government believes that the design-and-build concept and direct negotiation is the (suitable) process to ensure all objectives are achieved. Of course, we have considered everything thoroughly."
In Nov 2006, the Dewan was told a new palace complex costing RM400 million will be built on Jalan Duta to replace the Istana Negara which has been used since 1928. It was slated for completion in 2009.
Last December, the ministry announced the complex will cost RM650 million, inclusive of additional work as the original estimates did not take into account certain costs, such as earth works, road construction and palace workers’ quarters.
On another matter, Zin said the ministry will consider taking over all toll highways, including the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway, as a measure to help alleviate the burden faced by people.
However, he added, the matter needs to be looked into thoroughly, therefore a committee headed by the Malaysian Highway Authority chairman has been set up at ministry level for this purpose.
To a question from Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Rasah), Zin said the ministry needs three months to come back with a decision as it involves 22 concessionaires and the study would be done in stages.
To Che Rosli Che Mat’s (BN-Hulu Langat) question, he said the Kajang-Seremban Highway, its completion delayed by various reasons, will be completed soon.
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