KUALA LUMPUR: Kapar MP S Manikavasagam is satisfied with the conclusions drawn by the Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) from its recent three-day public inquiry on allegations of graft in the Selangor sand mining industry.
At the end of the third day and final last Friday, Selcat declared that Selangor-owned sand mining industry Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB) is riddled with mismanagement and loopholes in its administrative system. However, it didn't find any evidence of graft as alleged by Manikavasagam.
“I'm still happy with the outcome of the inquiry,” Manikavasagam told FMT today. “There is clear mismanagement in KSSB and at least Selcat addressed that. This is a positive step forward.”
He also threw his support behind Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, saying that he would provide his full cooperation if Khalid decides to pursue investigations further.
Khalid today said that he would leave it up to KSSB's board of directors to decide on a management reshuffle within the company.
Manikavasagam, however, voiced his disappointment over his testimony proceedings on Friday.
“I'm unhappy that Selcat didn't allow all my witnesses to testify,” he said. “I had strong evidence and I was prevented from presenting. Furthermore, I was only given 10 minutes to speak compared with hours allocated to KSSB officials. That is why I lost my temper.”
The Kapar MP who initially cited Parliamentary practices as a reason for not testifying, took the witness stand armed with new evidence and witnesses.
However, Selcat ruled that none of it could be accepted as it wasn't submitted according to procedure. A frustrated Manikavasagam told Selcat not to cover up the scandal before he left the hall.
“But the MACC is still investigating the matter and I have already submitted all my new evidence and witness details to it,” he said. “So we'll just have to wait for its findings.”
Manikavasagam also reiterated his intention behind his allegations was done in good faith.
“I didn't do this to tarnish the Selangor government or the MB's reputation,” he said. “I just want to uphold transparency. And I am definitely not jumping ship no matter what people say.”
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