Pasir Salak MP’s son crashes MUDA’s PC

Faizal argues that MUDA is trying to sensationalise the alleged scandal relating to Prasarana through media

by AFIQ AZIZ / pic by RAZAK GHAZALI

WHAT was meant to be a straight forward press conference by the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) in Dang Wangi, Kuala Lumpur, turned dramatic when Umno Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s (picture) son appeared to defend his family that has allegedly been involved in a scandal relating to a Prasarana Malaysia Bhd project.

Faizal Tajuddin, who crashed the question and answer session with the media, said Tindakan Juara Sdn Bhd, a company belonging to his family, has not received a “single cent” from Prasarana since the development package was awarded in 2012.

Faizal also argued with MUDA co-founder, Amir Abd Hadi, and alleged that the party tried to sensationalise the issue through media.

He then offered the yet-to-be-registered party representatives to meet his father if they were truly seeking clarification.

“The company won the contract because at the time, the government wanted to promote the land. They did an open tender and wanted it to be a joint developer project.

“We offered RM220 million while the market rate was RM180 million,” Faizal said.

“If MUDA wants, I will arrange a meeting with my father and they can hash it out. Doing it this way is just sensationalising it.”

Tajuddin, who is also Prasarana non-executive chairman, held a press conference on Monday in response to the series of media reports alleging him of misusing his authorities in a deal that involved his family’s company.

Among others, Tajuddin was alleged to have ordered Prasarana to terminate the company’s transit-oriented development project in Dang Wangi, and the cessation of the contract would cost Prasarana RM80 million in compensation.

One of the contractors involved in the project was Tindakan Juara, a company which Tajuddin held some shares in.

According to reports, Tajuddin said all of his shares were transferred to his family members in 2013 after he was made a deputy minister.

Earlier, Amir told the press that Tajuddin should not have sat in the meetings that involved Tindakan Juara’s interest — as his wife and sons are named as directors in the company.

Amir showed the press copies of Prasarana’s meeting minutes which had Tajuddin in presence.

The meeting was held to decide on compensation payments for a project that went undeveloped at the Dang Wangi LRT station, namely Latitud 8.

Amir said despite having been ongoing for eight years, the construction progress was only at 15%.

He claimed that Prasarana then decided to terminate the contract and compensate the company to the tune of RM87.7 million.

“We have proof that Tajuddin was chairing this meeting. How can he do that when they were deciding what amount to pay Tindakan Juara. Not only that, we’re hearing that he wants another RM470 million to build a new Prasarana office here.

“The thing is, there is already a RM150 million Prasarana office at Subang Depot, Selangor. So why do we need another one?” Amir said.

On March 29, 2012, the government appointed Intan Sekitar Sdn Bhd, a consortium comprising Crest Builders Sdn Bhd (51%) and Detik Utuh Sdn Bhd (49%), to execute the project.

Detik Utuh is, in turn, partly owned by Tajuddin’s family via Tindakan Juara.

Earlier reports also stated that Prasarana CEO Muhammad Nizam Alias had been suspended from his duty as he could not agree with some of Tajuddin’s decision including on the status of Latitud 8.

Tajuddin confirmed Muhammad Nizam’s suspension, citing “insubordination and misconduct” as the main reasons, while refusing to divulge any detail as investigation process is ongoing.

Following media reports, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) visited Prasarana’s headquarters in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, on Monday.

Prasarana said some documents were taken by the MACC for further investigation.

Meanwhile, Amir said MUDA will also lodge a report with the MACC over the matter soon.