FORMER energy minister Maximus Ongkili today welcomed federal efforts to probe into the delayed implementation of the Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP).

The Kota Marudu MP said he, too, questions why 88% of the project has been paid for, when only 11.4% of the work is completed.

“Before the 14th general election, the project was only at the surveying and land acquisition level… so, how is it possible that payment has been made for more than 85% of the project? We are puzzled, too.

“Only the Finance Ministry has the details.”

He said some quarters have stated that the 88% was based on certain components, such as land acquisition and consultancy, and not the overall project.

On Saturday, Energy, Green Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin said 88%, or RM3.5 billion, of the RM4.06 billion TSGP had been paid to appointed company.

However, she said, only 11.4% of the project was completed, and the paperwork showed that it involved only land clearing.

Yeo said the federal government had only two options – have the appointed company complete the project, or the government will take steps to recover the funds.

“We welcome investigations. If it is proven that misappropriation had taken place, we would be equally disappointed, and action must be taken against those involved,” said Ongkili, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah deputy president.

“Charge or sack those involved. If the allegations are true, it means that procedures on the management of government funds were not adhered to.”

TSGP involves the laying of 662km of pipes from the Kimanis Gas Terminal to Sandakan and Tawau. It is aimed at resolving the 33% deficit power supply in the state’s east coast, as well reducing dependency on diesel power plants.

Ongkili, who previously oversaw the project, said TSGP’s planning was carried out under his former ministry and the Economic Planning Unit.

However, he said, the project’s implementation and budget, as well as the appointment of contractors, were under the Finance Ministry’s purview.

Former prime minister Najib Razak held the finance portfolio in the Barisan Nasional government.

Ongkili added that TSGP was carried out via a government-to-government partnership between Malaysia and China.

He called on Yeo to release details on the alleged misappropriation. – July 30, 2018.