Transparency Over State Land Negotiations Vs Accountability

The Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce had questioned how the directly negotiated sale of state-owned land in Byram, South Seberang Perai to a private company was done, alleging that the RM646 million price tag is significantly below market. However, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, defended the transaction on the basis that the involved land is still undeveloped. Sri Murniati Yusuf, Chief Operating Officer, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), analyses how this might raise concerns over transparency as it involve public assets.

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