Nga's tea invite to MACC chief reeks of arrogance, says ex-MCA veep
Former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker said housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming should just reveal the details of any feasibility study done prior to the rolling out of the MyKiosk 2.0 project.
PETALING JAYA : Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming's plan to invite the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief for 'tea' to discuss concerns surrounding the MyKiosk 2.0 project reeks of arrogance and abuse of power, a former MCA vice-president said.
Ti Lian Ker described Nga's remark as a 'blatant and haughty display of position and power'.
'When someone in high public office extends a 'tea invitation' to the very person meant to hold the government accountable, it suggests that the officer can be compromised, subordinated or that the issues raised can be suppressed.
'Such statements reflect badly and paint a negative picture for an administration that is championing clean governance. This is also a disservice to Azam Baki, who is holding a sensitive position and is supposed to be publicly seen as an independent actor' he told FMT, referring to the MACC chief commissioner.
Ti said Nga's statement could be detrimental and negative to public perception of the outcome of any investigation into the MyKiosk project.
If MACC clears the ministry of any wrongdoing, the public will now question if the probe was done 'under duress or out of fear and favour', due to the tea session, he said.
'His statement reflects badly on good governance and muddies the perception of impartiality and accountability.
'Nga has given a reason for the public to possibly doubt the integrity of the investigation,' he said, adding that it also gives the impression that the minister is shielded and 'untouchable'.
Ti went on to question if a feasibility study was done before the project was rolled out, saying if one was carried out, Nga should reveal its details to show the accountability that he had promised.
He said highlighting the findings of the study would help clear the air, allay any concerns and shut down critics more effectively.
'Instead of taking cheap shots at MCA, Nga should rely on facts and show good governance to silence detractors,' Ti said.
It was reported two days ago that Nga had invited Azam for tea when stating that the ministry was open to being probed by the anti-graft agency.
MACC's potential involvement follows claims the government was paying RM25,000 to RM34,000 per kiosk when the market price was only RM12,800 per unit.
Nga has since said the RM25,000 figure was misleading as it included the cost of solar panels, fans, stoves, transportation, installation, and site set-up.
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