Letter to Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim on Talam Debts: Respond for Transparency and Accountability’s sake
March 22, 2010
Talam Corporation Debts: Answers Required
by Pandak Bin Tukan
Dear Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, I refer to my previous letter to you, ‘Recovered’ Talam debts: Transparency, please.
It has been more than one week since I asked my questions and you are taking an inordinately long time to respond. You were quite happy to release the RM50 million figure but now seem rather coy about releasing further details.
My questions are a straightforward request for facts which, I would have thought, were at your fingertips when you saw it fit to tell the whole world that RM50 million in cash and assets have been collected from Talam Corporation. I really don’t understand why you are not forthcoming. Here are the questions again:
1. What is the breakdown between cash and assets that make up the figure of RM50 million?
2. What were the assets collected?
3. How were the assets’ value arrived at, that is, what was the method used in arriving at the valuations on these assets that, together with the cash, make up the amount of RM50 million?
4. Who were the parties that performed the valuations and are they sufficiently independent of both the state government and Talam Corporation?
Please understand that I am not a supporter of any political party and am just an ordinary citizen seeking answers from a government leader over a matter of public interest. I hope it is proving as acutely embarrassing for you as it is highly disappointing to me that you have so far not given the information sought.
You must realise that the longer you delay in replying, the more doubts there will be about your competence and whether, in fact, RM50 million had been collected from Talam Corporation as you claimed.
I do not know yet which political party to vote for in the next general elections but, from the way you are treating this matter, I’m beginning to have a fair idea which one not to vote for.
This is a bipartisan issue and should be dealt with accordingly. Why is the MB dragging his feet over such issues?
The truth is it is easy to talk and demand transparency and accountability when you are not in government. It is different when you are in government.
Mr Bean - March 22, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Look among others for ‘unspecified contingencies’ and find what they really are.
Mr Bean - March 22, 2010 at 9:16 pm
New Yorker Bean, I agree with you that it is easy to talk about transparency and accountability to garner votes at elections. I am also disappointed that the Menteri Besar, Selangor has not responded to this request for information on the Talam Corporation deal. I suppose, he is busy with other matters of state to entertain this citizen’s request.–Din Merican
dinobeano - March 22, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Din
One man’s request made public and not addressed with urgency does not make the MB any less incompetent or callous.
If every fool in the state for Selangor were to write to the MB for answers and then broadcast to the world that his queries were not responded with the threat, “I do not know yet which political party to vote for in the next general elections but, from the way you are treating this matter, I’m beginning to have a fair idea which one not to vote for.”, I say, to hell with him/her.
If he wants an answer, make an appointment to see the MB and get it straight from the horse’s mouth.
It is only over a week. As though the MB must attend to his queries like the MB has no other more important business at hand except to sit at his computer and answer emails.
And he demqands an answer as though he is proxy voter for 10,000 voters in a constituency.
I suspect this writer has a agenda to denigrate the Selangor MB.
For you, Din, to be disappointed with the Tan Sri Khalid just on this trivial issue, I am disappointed with you. There are other more important issues to be disappointed with the Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, but certainly not because after one week, some fool did not get his answers.
Frank - March 22, 2010 at 11:29 pm
An MB is not an office boy to respond to every request for clarification with deadlines set by the questioner. The matter can be raised via Opposition Aduns in the State Assembly and the PAC and the answers will surface in due course!
Did Pandak pose such probing questions to Khir Toyoy when he was Mb? Or, I wonder if Pandak raised the issue of over $500 million EACH gaji buta contracts awarded to Razak Baginda and Adib Adam over purchase of scorpene subs and shkhoi jets? These G-G procurements needed no agent or intermediaries, especially those who had no track record and possessed no known expertiese in defence procurements. And did the PM/Defence Minister answer within 7 days for Pandak not to get his (suspect) knickers in a twist?
dpp
We are all of 1 race, the HumanRrace
donplaypuks - March 22, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Frank,
I’ll have to come to the aid of my friend, Din Merican.
It is not important who the writer is. But the point really is, is the Selangor Pakatan government is as transparent as it should be in its dealings with the public? That is the issue that is being raised and not if the MB has time in answering a query from a private citizen.
It is all about transparency. Of course, the matter can always be raised during question time during SLA proceedings. It does not mean it cannot be raised in any other way at any other time by any private citizen.
Mr Bean - March 23, 2010 at 1:28 am
“I do not know yet which political party to vote for in the next general elections but, from the way you are treating this matter, I’m beginning to have a fair idea which one not to vote for.”, I say, to hell with him/her.” Frank
Right to free speech, Frank.
Mr Bean - March 23, 2010 at 1:30 am
Why this pandak fella so kaypohchi? Wait your turn, ok?
Right now, TS Khalid’s looking into the longkangs, storm drains etc to find out why it’s flooding in P.J. during this dry season.
Besides, he’s digging with his bare hands, the grave of toyol – after all, RM 24 million mansions (izzit?? diamond studded toilet seat-ah?), needs much accounting for. Not to mention that funny ‘poor-house’ charity that needs help from Malacca MB to clear up unmitigated debts.
Btw, YB Khalid – good work! Doing okay despite those wily attempts to hentam you black and blue. Just take it easy on those snakes that you are about to throttle and sack.
Menyalak-er - March 23, 2010 at 1:35 am
Dear Menteri Besar Selangor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, I refer to my previous letter to you, ‘Recovered’ Talam debts: Transparency, please.
It has been more than one week since I asked my questions and you are taking an inordinately long time to respond. You were quite happy to release the RM50 million figure but now seem rather coy about releasing further details. Pandak
Pandak, one week is a short time. Ask the same question to a BN government and see when they’ll respond. I’ve asked similar questions and it’s now 30 years and I’m still waiting.
Pandak, did you mail the letter? How long does Pos Malaysia take to deliver a letter? Also proof of posting is not proof of delivery. You are asking details of the Talam project. You already have the general answer but details will take a little longer. Details by nature of the word will include numbers and names. Even a baby takes about 9 months and nine days from conception to delivery. Even then the baby cannot talk. Aiyah Pandak fikirlah dengan waras, jangan suka melatah.
MB of Selangor has big responsibilities. Talam is only of the the issues that have surfaced recently. How come Pandak did not ask the same question to Toyol the previous MB? I’m sure Toyol will be more than happy to respond within 7 days as he doesn’t have much to do now.
shrek - March 23, 2010 at 3:36 am
Yes, matters should be put in the right context. When a member of the public raises an issue, it should be attended to, not necessarily by the Menteri Besar himself. His staff in the communications department of the Mentri Besar’s Office can provide the answers. These questions are not difficult to answer.
There is no doubt that Tan Sri Khalid is doing his job competently and is focusing on the big picture and issues. It is little things that can undermine his efforts and create opportunities for the other side to exploit.
Shrek, Toyol is not a good example. He was not only incompetent but blatantly corrupt. To compare TS Khalid to him is an insult. The incumbent MB is a birth of fresh air. Being busy is not an excuse.
Frank, you miss my point. Public relations aspects can only be ignored at one’s own political peril. If we say we are transparent and accountable, we must show it. Every vote counts as all politicians worth their salt know. To ignore a citizen’s legitimate request for information is foolish.
I remember, when the PKR manifesto was being drafted for the March, 2008 General Election, we made special mention of freedom of information –a citizen’s right to know–and the need to review the Official Secrets Act. This was accepted by PKR’s Biro Politik and incorporated in the final Manifesto. That is PKR’s pledge and commitment to the voting public. Lest we forget. We even endorsed RPK-Haris Ibrahim’s Peoples Declaration (Deklarasi Rakyat). What happened to Ketuanan Rakyat? –Din Merican
dinobeano - March 23, 2010 at 4:51 am
What do they say about sending a thief to catch a thief?
Mr Bean - March 23, 2010 at 5:36 am
Pakatan government running S’gor state has set a higher standard for itself. It cannot then compare itself to the corrupt government under BN.
Mr Bean - March 23, 2010 at 5:39 am
Yes, transparency and accountability must be the principles of good governance. There can be no excuses for any government to deny information to the public. That must apply for Selangor and other states of Malaysia and the Federal Government. As citizens, we must insist on honest government. Otherwise, corruption will remain rampant.
kakrubi56 - March 23, 2010 at 7:46 am
C’mon Guys, get real.
No government can rule with absolute transparency and there is still a need for official secrets. The Peoples Declaration is an idealistic guideline to follow and this world is certainly not ideal.
The most we can hope for is a professional, competent, accountable and fairly corruption free administration. Open tenders, reduced nepotism and cronyism are already a good start. The past lackadiscal attitudes must stop, and i happen to see it happening albeit not fully up to expectations.
Menyalak-er - March 23, 2010 at 9:26 am
To reply or not to reply, that is the question.
Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous angst from left, right and centre
or to take arms against a molehill of troubles
and by responding end them?
fariyusof - March 23, 2010 at 10:58 am
check also lebar daun…..
hulagu khan - March 23, 2010 at 11:32 am
…”But the point really is, is the Selangor Pakatan government is as transparent as it should be in its dealings with the public? … – Mr. Bean
No reply after just one week !!! – and the MB accused of lack of transparency!!!!!
Get real, Mr. Bean.
I am not questioning the free speech… What I am questioning is the motive of the fool who broadcast to the world BECAUSE he got no response after one week.
I would even agree with the fool and you if the Govt failed to respond after one month.
I cannot believe you and Din are that naive to think that a Govt SHOULD RESPOND BY ONE WEEK.!!!! Guess what? Both of you ARE naive and bordering on being ridiculous for agreeing with that fool.
Is it old age impatience setting in… as the medical profession tends to think people who hit 60.
Frank - March 23, 2010 at 3:51 pm
What’s with you, Frank. I thought you belong to the same club as Din and I and Shrek and Tok Cik. Have I missed anybody? Or have things changed so much that I deserve to be singled out for such honor and distinction? The opposite of your assertion is true i.e. youth is never associated with patience.
You misread my posting. I feel Pandak, like all private citizens, has the right to know. There’s no reference to the time frame of one week which I do not see as an issue. At least in my posting.
I thought I said clearly it’s a bipartisan issue and should not be seen as partisan. We irrespective of our political affiliations have a stake in that government.
Mr Bean - March 23, 2010 at 6:11 pm
“I do not know yet which political party to vote for in the next general elections but, from the way you are treating this matter, I’m beginning to have a fair idea which one not to vote for.”
I don’t know who the writer is. Neither do I feel his identity and his political affiliations relevant. If the guy sees it fit to give his vote away based on this one issue, then that is his right. We call that free speech.
Mr Bean - March 23, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Pandak bin Tukan and et all, In addition to the RM50Million already collected, Talam has now made announcement on Mar 18, 2010 in the Bursa Saham that they are settling a further RM241.4Million. Surely this is verifiable and a credit to the intiative take by TKS.
For good measure, please read the announcement in Bursa Saham. For easy reference, please click in this link
http://www.bursamalaysia.com/website/bm/listed_companies/company_announcements/announcements/index.jsp
Hope this appeases the doubters.
Habib RAK - March 23, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Frank,
We are in this together bro!
Do not let your enthusiasm, zest for change and loyalty to party get the better of you. We should be loyal to principles – not party or individuals. Do not beat on the other guy for voicing out his grouse. He may be wrong on details but right on principles.
Mr Bean - March 23, 2010 at 7:54 pm
” He maybe wrong on details but right on principles. ” – Bean
That is fine but it applies to all , the blog host included .
rubiah lubis - March 23, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Mr Bean
What I am annoyed is the fool short changed his principles by firstly DEMANDING that the MB should give him a reply almost right after he had sent his letter.
Yes, he deserves a response, that I have no issue. But who does he think he is that he should have his questions answered in less than a week and then broadcast by insinuating that the MB is not transparent, insensitive to the voters.
Secondly, his threat at the end of his letter is indicative of his motive and intent on broadcasting this issue.
If the fool is genuine, he could this:
a) Send a letter, wait for a week or two… the MB is not a general manager of a retail store, for goodness sake.
b) Send a personal reminder to the MB that he has not got a response. Give 3-4 days.
c) Still no answer, if he is living in Malaysia or in Selangor, he should approach his MP/ADUN with a copy of his letter and express his disappointment for lack of response. Allow the MP/ADUn to take up the matter with the MB. Could be another week .
After which if there is no response, then he should lay his attempts and by then I think I would support his castigation of the MB for trying to hide things.
Is the issue about this TALAM debts going to bankrupt the state or what? Or is it of such URGENT PUBLIC INTEREST that the MB MUST respond within a wee. That is my point.
Mr. Bean, this is not about free speech or not allowing the fool to stand by his principles or your principles or other idealistic views of the politics of the country.
Based on the above, my view is that you and Din have given unnecessary importance to the fool’s article.
By the way, I have given my share of criticism of Khalid Ibrahim, not just PKR on his handling of some of the controversies in Selangor.
But on this one , it is grossly unfair to pass negative judgment on the MB or the PKR Govt in Selangor just because of the fool is ridiculously impatient and trying to give too much importance to himself and to his letter.
The fool is an idiot for trying to publicise himself.
c) The he can come out
Frank - March 23, 2010 at 10:19 pm
correction
After which if there is no response, then he should lay OPEN his attempts and by then I think I would support his castigation of the MB for trying to hide things.
Frank - March 23, 2010 at 10:20 pm
What’s with you, Frank. I thought you belong to the same club as Din and I and Shrek and Tok Cik…
Sorry I am only a member of my golf club where I have the pleasure of watching the rich and famous and uppity-nose characters driving to drive their balls into the holes.
BTW, I am defending Selangor MB Tan Sri Khalid as a matter principle, not on partisan politics and it has nothing to do with my political leanings or persuasions.
Frank - March 23, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Oops!!
Sorry I am only a member of my golf club where I have the pleasure of watching the rich and famous and uppity-nose characters TRYING to drive their balls into the holes.
Frank - March 23, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Yeah, putting their balls into puny little holes with their puny little putters. While they putt we tee-off with drivers (me a Wood 3) at the next tee box. Opps! I shank my ball to the left across the OB and into the next fairway. Poor thing all the guys in our flight are all in their 60s. Old geezers who look forward to a good rest at the half-way hut.
Time off for some golfing in cyberspace. Cheers.
Tok Cik - March 23, 2010 at 11:26 pm
“Based on the above, my view is that you and Din have given unnecessary importance to the fool’s article.” Frank
Don’t you think you’re a little over the top in your criticism? Furthermore, I have no hand in deciding what appears on this blog. That honor goes to our Din Merican. I am just playing cheer leader to those who stand for transparency in government irrespective of which political party runs the government.
Corruption is corruption wherever you find it. Whether it is found among men in blue who are in mufti holding Pakatan banners and sporting Pakatan or RPK T-shirts, it is still corruption.
You and Tok Cik should try and wean yourselves off from your addiction with balls and holes when on the green lest you be ‘pounced upon’ for being male chauvinist pigs.
Mr Bean - March 24, 2010 at 12:36 am
”He maybe wrong on details but right on principles. ” – Bean
That is fine but it applies to all , the blog host included .
rubiah lubis – March 23, 2010 at 9:19 pm
————————————————-
“Blog host included”? Errr …I’m not sure I follow that one.
Mr Bean - March 24, 2010 at 12:41 am
Don’t you think you’re a little over the top in your criticism? ..- Mr. Bean
No, I don’t think so. Accusing me of denying the fool’s freedom of speech is certainly over the top.
Frank - March 24, 2010 at 4:17 am
” Blog host included “? Err .. i’m not sure i follow that one “. – BEAN
Its alright Bean . I am here to share mainly and learn too , that is , if there is something i find useful here. However , i am not here to lock horns with anyone over their bloated ego or any trivia .
So lets all keep our perspective , suppress or keep our ego’s in check
( blog host included ) and give the barisan guys a run for their money by sharing thoughts that maybe useful and helpful .
rubiah lubis - March 24, 2010 at 5:38 am
I never did bro. I only pointed out his right to free speech. Beating a guy down for speaking out is a no-no for an advocate of free speech like yourself. Were you? If you weren’t then I’ll just have to take your word for it and give you the benefit of the doubt.
Mr Bean - March 24, 2010 at 7:03 am
Even a shit head deserves to have his constitutional right to free speech defended.
Mr Bean - March 24, 2010 at 7:07 am
Look, if there is a delay in giving the answers because negotiations with Tan Sri Chan Ah Chai’s Talam Group are still in progress, there should be at least an interim response to Pandak’s request for information. Silence in this case cannot be the solution.
Always communicate and communicate. I am sure Frank understands this as he is always reading the blogs and make his comments heard. Like Frank, Pandak too wants his moment of attention. That is fine as long as it is not obsessive or abusive.
I am told that the Mentri Besar has a team of young and dynamic experts on economics, finance and public administration. These people must be proactive and provide the answers as they are monitoring developments in the mainstream and alternative media. It is understandable that the Menteri Besar is busy and as Parliament is in session, as MP, Tan Sri Khalid must do his duty to his constituents in Bandar Tun Razak, and also his voters in Ijok as Adun.
Are these so-called experts interns or what? I think they are not, but they must be more professional in the exercise of their duties. People in Ijok, for example, are unhappy and have been venting their frustrations. So Tan Sri Khalid should not ignore them. He is not any ordinary guy. As a former CEO, he should empower and delegate so that things can happen. In stead, he is perceived to following the UMNO way of doing business. We need change this perception in the name of Ketuanan Rakyat.
As to whether Tan Sri Khalid is doing his job or not, that is for the voters to decide at the appropriate time.
kakrubi56 - March 24, 2010 at 9:17 am
“However , i am not here to lock horns with anyone over their bloated ego or any trivia”.
rubiah lubis – March 24, 2010 at 5:38 am
I am with you sweetie. I am here also to add color and cheer. Imagine a blog devoted exclusively to cheer leading in the name of Pakatan Rakyat, nothing more then an outlet for our anger and frustration or some space in which we could heap praises on one another. How boring!
We should have the courage of our convictions but first let’s hear what those convictions are. We should not beat on the other guy for expressing his views. We should not resort to name calling to make our point simply because we cannot manage our own ego.
Lock horns by all means. Even polish them. Just don’t deny others the opportunity of locking horns just because you have no horns.
Mr Bean - March 24, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Rubiah,
I am looking forward to more of your ‘blog host included’ views.
Mr Bean - March 24, 2010 at 8:31 pm
I never did bro. I only pointed out his right to free speech.
Even if you didn’t directly, but you certainly implied, if not insinuated, that I am attempting to deny the fool’s freedom of speeach
Frank - March 25, 2010 at 11:55 am
No, you couldn’t deny him of his freedom even if you tried. In this case the blog host himself put it up there. He’s not going to delete his own cut and paste.
Mr Bean - March 25, 2010 at 11:47 pm
i wonder what you guys would say if he was a barisan nasional mentri besar.
gaps - March 26, 2010 at 12:29 am