Selcat taken to task for absolving sand-mining company Kumpulan Semesta from any wrongdoing while an inquiry into its operations is yet to be concluded
(Free Malaysia Today) - Human rights advocate, Haris Ibrahim, wants to know why the Selangor Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) has not released the written findings on the 2010 inquiry into a sand mining scandal.
In a blog posting on his People’s Parliament today, Haris also rebuked Selcat chairman Teng Chang Khim for pleading ignorance of the latest expose by blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK).
RPK alleged that Amirudin Shari and Mat Suhaimi Shafiei, the Batu Caves and Sri Muda assemblymen respectively colluded with a contractor to benefit from the sand mining operations.
He said the contractor gave cash to Suhaimi to finance the latter’s programmes while Amirudin provided a supporting letter to Double Dignity Sdn Bhd, a company belonging to the contractor.
Both assemblymen, said RPK, were part of Double Dignity’s directors.
“Selcat held a public inquiry into the administrative aspects of sand-mining in Selangor in June 2010 after Kapar MP S Manikavasagam exposed improprieties in the operations.
“The proceedings were adjourned in June 4 to await further submissions of evidence from Manikavasagam,” said Haris.
“Manickavasagam wanted to produce witnesses but Teng reprimanded him for not providing written statements first.
“Since then, Manickavasagam who was initially anxious to expose corruption in the state sand mining industry had become very quiet,” said Haris.
Teng yesterday claimed he was in the dark over the latest allegations made by RPK and said he needed time to study before considering holding a public inquiry on his allegations.
Haris reminded Teng that the latter had absolved Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB) of any wrongdoing in June 2010 although the hearing has yet to be concluded.
