Monday, July 3, 2006

Cynic $360 Million Claim

Gerbang Perdana’s claim balloons to RM360mil

The controversial RM100mil compensation sought by Gerbang Perdana Selatan Bersepadu Sdn Bhd for the cancellation of the Johor half-bridge project has shot up to RM360mil.

Samy Vellu said the contractor “has asked for all sorts of compensations” which the ministry could not entertain. “I have directed Public Works Department director-general Datuk Dr Wahid Omar to conduct an investigation into the claims,” Samy Vellu said.

“Everything will be done like an Anti-Corruption Agency probe. I have instructed Dr Wahid not to be afraid of anybody and do what he thinks is right, and to report only to me.”

He said Gerbang Perdana had been given until July 11 to provide all the documents to justify their claims. Gerbang Perdana had been given a RM470mil highway project in return.

Samy Vellu said it was “much less than what they asked for”. “I can't tell the amount. What we have seen from documents, payments made, cheques and personalities (involved), everything has been checked and that’s how we know the quantum. It is not RM360mil.”

Samy Vellu said that if Gerbang Perdana failed to produce all the documents by the deadline, the ministry would submit its proposed quantum to the Prime Minister and Cabinet for approval. “If they fail to submit all the documents, we will decide that they will not get any compensation or just a little.”

$360 million dollar claim for loss and expense? Original contract value is $740 million? Wow, about 50% of contract sum? Kaya lah!

Interestingly, Samy said: It is not so much! What does that mean? Is he saying: It should be slightly less than that, maybe, $340 or $300 million?

One for you and one for me.

Kautim Management. BTW, is Khairy and ECM Libra engaged to negotiate on behalf of Gerbang?

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