KUCHING, Nov 13: Political secretary to the chief minister, Tan Kai, reminded Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Chong Chieng Jen to reveal the names of companies who have obtained the Approved Permit (AP) to import sugar.
In a statement today, Tan Kai said he had summarised all the 12 press statements previously issued to various media since June, urging Chong to reveal the name of companies who obtained the import AP.
“Until today, nothing has been disclosed. Only one cake-making company has come forward to say they hold a permit,” he said.
Tan Kai’s latest reminder was made in view of the last day of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
On June 20, Chong announced that eight food and beverage manufacturers would be able to obtain sugar from Thailand at RM1.70 per kilogramme, inclusive of transport charges.
“I remember during the time when Democratic Action Party (DAP) was an opposition party, Chong was always demanding that the ruling government be open, fair and transparent.
“However, after becoming the federal government, why are they hiding everything or unable to reveal and no transparency at all? If the whole selection and approval process is fair and just, why is it so secretive?” Tan Kai said.
He added that the state government is against monopoly and the people has the right to know which product price has gone down due to the liberation of sugar policy.
“If the product price remains the same even with the lower cost, or perhaps only the manufacturers are making profit out of it, Chong must answer the queries and not hiding behind the manufacturers.
“If he remains silent, then it is only logical for the people to suspect that there is a ‘black box operation’ in the selection and approval process,” Tan Kai said. — DayakDaily
