40-30-30?

1. When I first saw the series of number (40-30-30) in the media, my immediate thought is that it must be one very big lady with unusual body configuration. As it turns out, there are now plenty of talks that Alam Flora sub contract distribution is being shared among contractors with their political lineage.

2. Entering politics is an expensive affair. No matter on which sides of the fence a politician sits, his or her survival depends from continuation financial support from sympathisers, supporters and investors.

3. This is the same worldwide and no difference in Malaysia. While the sympathisers and supporters chips in where they can and expect no return, investors expects returns. These businessmen who invest in politicians hopes to be rewarded accordingly.

4. In Malaysia, this has been the culture for a long time. Under BN rule, we can see many friendly investors are being rewarded accordingly. This investor-investee relationship go as high as at the Federal level and as low as some branch UMNO leaders.

5. Among the prominent investor-investee relationship that has surfaced includes Tajuddin Ramli (MAS), Dato Adib Adam (IMG Tech, Sukhoi Purchase), Razak Baginda (Submarine deals), Amin Shah (Naval ships) and many more.

6. Accordingly this relationship is also structured accordingly at the state level, district level and even at Kampong level. This is the culture in Malaysia. Over 50 years it has become to a level that a person must have a right political affiliation, knowing the right people and must be in the inner circle to be able to get substantial business with the government. Capability is secondary. The playing field became uneven.

7. I have many Malay businessmen who complain about the uneven playing field among the Bumiputeras. They complain about not able to compete because they lack the necessary networks and sits in the wrong political camps. The successful one learns to adapt. Some adapt quickly but others don’t.

8. In BA for e.g. I know a particular contractor who has been strong supporter of BN. He monopolized the cleaning and grass cutting services in Taman TAR, Ampang Jaya, Bukit Antarabangsa and at the Ukay area via his several companies. Within weeks before the GE, he sensed that BN will lose and he adapted. The gentlemen today via his different companies are strong supporter of PR. Quality of service and doing things according to contracts are not his priority.

9. I was shocked to read about 40-30-30 being talked about in Selangor. While the authenticity of this revelation has not been verified and denied by Senior Exco members at the Selangor State Level, I am not surprise that this happen. It is after all payback time.

10. Not being surprise and being disappointed is two different issues. I believe like me, there are many others that are disappointed over this discovery. People voted the new government and expected it to be different. People expect the new government to be transparent and efficient. If this happens than people trust is lost. The BN culture has gone into PR.

11. Time has come for some greater level of transparency. As far as Alam Flora contracts are concern, it should not be divided along political lines. PR needs to win the die hard BN members. They need to convince the fence sitters that PR is indeed different. The contracts should be awarded on merit. It should be balloted. It is time to audit those bidders and see which has performed and which has failed. The failed ones need to be removed.

12. Alam Flora subcontractor services are important for the image of the new government. If under- performed contractors are appointed then the frontline services will be affected. When this happens, then image of the government will be bad. For having a poor rubbish collection, dirty environment and continued inefficiency a young government like PR can collapse easily.

13. Selangor government must seriously look into this matter as their survival depends on it. As for me, I will see from far for now and will decide when the time comes. I don’t like 40-30-30 but prefer 38-28- 32!