IT was reported that the Terengganu government would appoint a British consultant to determine the actual cause of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium roof collapse in Gong Badak on June 6, and that it was currently discussing the fee to be paid.

The state had earlier rescinded a decision to set up its own probe team to avoid any clash with the team set up by the Federal Government.

The menteri besar’s statement suggests there are no local experts and if there are any, they may not be reliable or independent. This does not send a good message to the international construction industry fraternity as it may negate government efforts to export technical consultancy services.

It has been reported that there is another federal team due to submit its report to the cabinet. Furthermore, the Public Works Department, Public Works Institute of Malaysia (Ikram) and the Ma-laysian Anti-Corruption Commission are also involved in the investigations. All these are being funded by taxpayers.

Thus, how many investigations does the country need and what would happen if the investigators come up with different findings?

Remember the case of Middle Ring Road 2 defects that were also investigated by several local and foreign experts?

The repairs cost RM70 million but the public still does not know the party responsible and what action has been taken if any against the culprit. Finally, what was the total cost of the investigations?

The Terengganu MB has stated that his administration had decided on its own probe team because the state government also had to take responsibility for the incident. It is hoped that this “responsibility” will include imposing deterrent penalties on those identified as responsible.

The findings of the investigation reports, the party responsible and the total cost should be publicised. This is in line with promises to practise transparency and accountability, which are important if fraud is to be eradicated.

GURSHARAN SINGH, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – July 6, 2009