FINANCE Minister Lim Guan Eng’s revelation about Suria Strategic Energy Resources SdnBhd (SSER) today is shocking and disgusting.

This is in regard to the two projects, Multi-Product Pipeline (MPP) and Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP), which were approved by the previous cabinet in July 2016 and worth RM 9.41 billion awarded to China Petroleum Bureau (CPPB).

SSER, a fully owned subsidiary of the Ministry of Finance, had taken a loan from China’s Exim Bank equivalent to 85% of the project sum.

Lim said to date RM 8.3 billion had been paid to the contractor for only 13% of the job done. The contract was drawn up such that execution of payment was to be done on timeline and not in accordance to progressive work, as would be the norm for any construction project.

The two projects originally scheduled for completion within three years, only saw 13% work done after one year with 88% of the contract sum already paid. It was further revealed that there was a separate agreement to pay consultancy fee of RM525 million plus RM476 million for maintenance cost to Chinese companies, an addition of RM1 billion to the projects.

Businessmen and contractors can easily tell that such contractual agreements reek of kickbacks. It is comforting to hear that an investigation is under way and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has swung into action.

Heads must roll for the guilty parties. The immediate action is to freeze all bank accounts of suspects and their exit travel denied.

China and its companies are now tainted with the revelation. Transparency International’s 2017 Corruption Perception Index placed China at 77 out of 180 countries, lumping her with mostly the less developed countries.

Malaysia with 15 places lower at 62 should not be cause for pride as Singapore and Brunei, our neighbours, occupy much impressive position, at No. 6 and 32 respectively. From the way of the contracts involving MPP and TSGP, it is quite obvious there might be elements of corruption surrounding the contracts and secret deals made. If so, there will be illegal and corruption money transacted, which is also money laundering.

With this latest revelation involving China and China’s companies, it is imperative for the ambassador of China in Kuala Lumpur to be called and officially told of our disgust with the lopsided contracts.

While we investigate our own people involved, the Chinese parties are equally to blame as accomplice and need to be investigated. In foreign policy, when dealing with Western powers, China has always stood on principled ground.

In the case of dealings with SSER and other infrastructure projects in Malaysia, China has to do the right thing, i.e., launch full investigations and whatever unfair and corrupt money laundered to help revert to Malaysia.

Corruption involving gargantuan amounts in high places involving ministers and officials is unpardonable.

 The cabinet members, who approved the projects and failed to see through their proper execution, must be held accountable.

Bank Negara officials, regulating and enforcement officers who knew but did not take action, must also bear responsibility. Politicians at high and low levels who are used to receiving monies unquestioningly as if it was an entitlement, ought to be shamed.

For too long, at least one generation of Malaysians grew up accustomed and accepted corruption as a way of life. It’s because the rot started at the head.

All forms of corruption and corruptible conduct must be scorned. Our youth must grow up with good values. It starts with making all those corrupts officials accountable. – June 5, 2018.

* Wong Ang Peng is public relations director of Patriot.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.