BUNG HITS OUT SYED MOKHTAR, ZETI

STOP....Bung urges the government to stop Syed Mokhtar from monopolising business in the country and get someone to replace Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

By : G VINOD

KUALA LUMPUR: Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar Radin launched a broadside against business tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary and Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz at the Parliament today.

In his criticism against Syed Mokhtar, Bung Mokhtar questioned the Finance Ministry’s rationale in allowing the billionaire to control mega businesses in the country at the expense of other businessmen.

“He wants Keretapi Tanah Melayu, he wants Mass Rapid Transit. He wants everything on land, sea and air. Given a chance, he will even do business in the graveyard,” said the outspoken MP.

He also said that it was not fair for other businessmen and pointed out that there were other capable bumiputeras out there who could work on projects as effectively.

“Even open tenders for small businesses, Syed Mokhtar will be there. Don’t let one man control everything,” said Bung Mokhtar.

He also said that the government should be mindful as the people were watching and urged the relevent authorities to come up with a mechanism to keep tabs on monopolistic system.

“This thing keeps happening. Last time we had Tajuddin Ramli controlling MAS but what happened? At the end, government had to take responsibility for its losses.

“That’s why I object to monopoly. Don’t depend on one person to control our economy,” said Bung Mokhtar.

Sack the governor

On Zeti, Bung Mokhtar urged the Finance Ministry to probe the Bank Negara governor for allegedly being negligent in monitoring the rising numbers of gold trading companies in Malaysia.

He was referring to the recent raid by Bank Negara on four gold trading companies for allegedly being involved in various malpractises.

The companies raided were Genneva Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Pageantry Gold Bhd, Caesar Gold Sdn Bhd and Worldwide Far East Bhd.

“There were complaints made against some of the companies in the past five years but no action was taken. Why did Bank Negara raid and freeze their assets only after they have grown big?

“Looks like governor was sleeping on the job. If that’s the case, it’s time for the government to find someone who can really monitor our financial system better,” said Bung Mokhtar.

The Sabah MP also urged Bank Negara not to penalise the investors for the wrongdoings of the companies. His statement received the support of Sri Gading MP Mohamad Aziz.

He added that it was only fair for the central bank to return money to investors first before freezing the companies assets.

“People are worried whether they will get their money back or not. Next time, return their money first before taking action against errant companies,” he said.