Former DCM denies knowledge of any land scams in the past
10/04/2008 The Star By DERRICK VINESH

NIBONG TEBAL: Former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah has denied knowledge of any land improprieties in the previous government that resulted in millions of ringgit being siphoned off the state coffers.

“What land scam is the new state government talking about? I think they are laying a trap to fish details from us,” Abdul Rashid, who headed the Land Affairs and Land Develop-ment committees in the previous state government, said in an interview.

Abdul Rashid, in turn, lambasted the new state government for not knowing how to run the state administration.

“The State Land Committee does not approve any land deals at its whims and fancies. It submits all land-related proposals, with necessary recommendations, to the state exco for approval,” he said.

Last week, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said a special panel had been set up to investigate land improprieties in Penang after the new government uncovered a scam involving a RM13mil land deal.

Lim had said the three-member panel would submit its findings to the police and Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) after gathering the details.

On an allegation that files on land matters had gone missing after he vacated his old office, Abdul Rashid denied having any such documents in his possession.

“Although I was the chairman of both committees, I did not keep such documents. They should ask the state secretariat or the district land offices for the documents,” he added.

Abdul Rashid said Lim should be more specific with his allegations, adding that it was irresponsible of him to make blind allegations.

“How am I to respond when the subject matter is unclear? I am very professional in my work,” he said.

Abdul Rashid added that it was up to the state government if it wanted to send the ACA to investigate him over the matter.