KUALA LUMPUR, February 7 – Lim Guan Eng, Bagan MP, has called upon Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow not to shield underperforming contractors and civil servants who neglect their monitoring and supervision duties. Lim highlighted immediate issues, such as damaged structures and broken equipment, observed on the first day of Phase 1’s opening in the Gurney Bay project, despite only RM58 million being paid to the contractor.
Expressing concern about the contractor’s ability to handle the remaining RM189 million worth of work, Lim questioned the selection process that led to the appointment of a contractor with such poor performance for a major project costing RM247 million. Lim emphasized that the contractor’s responsibility for defects during a two-year damage liability period does not absolve them of poor workmanship or negligence.
He raised safety concerns, particularly regarding broken ropes in the children’s playground, urging the government to prioritize public interests over protecting irresponsible contractors or civil servants. Lim underscored the unacceptability of allowing equipment to be damaged or materials to be broken on the first day open to the public, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to hold those accountable for such lapses.
