WEE Jeck Seng, Barisan Nasional’s Tanjung Piai by-election candidate, was more interested in renovating the Labuan Port Authority (LPA) office in Kuala Lumpur than improving port services, said Chan Foong Hin.

“There were many things that Wee should have done as LPA chairman, including gazetting LPA by-laws, pushing for the issuance of a land title for Liberty Wharf, repairing and upgrading the jetty at Liberty Wharf, appointing an official port operator, picking a logo, setting up an official website, etc,” said the LPA chairman, who succeeded Wee in the post, in a statement today.

“Unfortunately, he decided to make the renovation of the office at Menara UOA Bangsar his highest priority instead.”

Chan, who is also Kota Kinabalu MP, described Wee’s decision to rent and renovate the office as an extravagant and reckless use of public funds, especially when LPA had not generated income.

The DAP man said Wee spent RM343,180.50 on renovating the 279 sq m space on Level 22 of Menara UOA Bangsar.

He also pointed to the rental for three office units for three years, totalling RM526,836.96.

“Is the renovation of the office and installation of an auto/smart toilet more important than the gazetting of by-laws and appointing a port operator? Wee clearly had his priorities misplaced.

“I was unable to utilise the office after my appointment because it was empty, no furniture or staff.

“Because of what Wee did, we are unable to terminate the contract… LPA is bound by the tenancy agreement until April 14, 2020.”

His statement comes after Wee yesterday challenged anyone accusing him of bribery or power abuse over LPA’s rental payments to file a police report.

Wee, who was made LPA chairman as a political appointee, said having an office in Kuala Lumpur is convenient for businesses and firms, including the port authority, to meet potential clients and investors.

Chan said the new LPA board members appointed by the Pakatan Harapan government are committed to prudent spending.

“We are focusing on the request for proposal for the appointment of an official port operator for Liberty Wharf. We have approved the relevant by-laws to generate sustainable revenue for LPA.

“Furthermore, we are doing our best to sublease the Bangsar office, to cover the rental and renovation costs.”

Wee will battle it out with five others for the Tg Piai federal seat this Saturday. His nearest challenger is Karmaine Sardini of PH. – November 13, 2019.