Swak DAP claims state lost RM530m in cheap land deals

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak taxpayers may have lost up to RM530 million in revenue over land deals under Chief Minister Adenan Satem’s administration, the state DAP alleged today.

Incumbent Padungan Assemblyman Wong King Wei made this allegation at a press conference today and presented documents detailing some transactions.

He claimed there were corrupt practices in the state’s land alienation process, with 14,000 acres of state land sold to three companies at far below the market value – at RM300 per acre.

He estimated the price to be between RM3,000 and RM8,000 per acre.

Wong said the alienation exercises for the land lots, situated in Bintulu and Miri, took place in May and August 2014.

He revealed that a check on one of the companies with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) showed that the company was “dormant”.

“Adenan’s policy of selling state land cheap is only enriching cronies and making our people poorer.

“It is reasonable to believe that part of the land sold off in this deal was NCR (Native Customary Rights) land.

“Not only agricultural land, Adenan’s administration sold prime land at cheap prices too.”

Meanwhile, Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who was also present at the press conference, has accepted Adenan’s challenge to debate on local issues.

“I accept the challenge. Just set the date, time and place. We can do a live telecast, maybe with RTM. Let it be a public debate on local issues,” he said.

This was in response to Adenan recently challenging the Opposition to fight on local issues, ahead of the May 7 state election.

Chong said the debate should be on issues affecting the Sarawakians, such as the GST.

“GST is not just West Malaysia’s problem, but also Sarawak’s.

“Hope he (Adenan) will not avoid the debate. Let the public watch and be the judge,” he said.

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