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Part of the speech by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong during the party's dinner in Petaling Jaya on 6 January 2001.

In today's political atmosphere, we can see many issues such as the
Government's purchase of privatized companies and the impact of the Lunas by-election. The Barisan Alternatif's narrow victory in the Lunas state seat has goaded Umno to seek scapegoats. It has gone for Suqiu (the appeals signed by 2010 Chinese organizations). The Working Committee of the appeals had a joint statement with Umno Youth, 'putting aside' seven out of the 83-point appeals.

We do not know how the 2010 organizations feel about setting aside the seven points that have been said to touch on Malay rights. Suqiu Committee has explained that it has not 'withdrawn', only 'put aside'. Some papers say 'withdrawn'. Some villagers have been heard to say 'surrender' or 'total surrender'.

We maintain that anything that affects tolerance or sensitivity of any race in Malaysia is unacceptable. We must investigate and eradicate the abuse and misuse of rights and privileges.

For example, the Malaysian Government has privatized 434 projects, saying that these have saved the nation RM 129.12 billion. With the recent development, we are asking just how much savings are there?

Several years ago, Indah Water Konsortium, IWK, was awarded the sewage project in the country. At that time, DAP MPs especially Lim Kit Siang spoke at length (Kit Siang took over two hours) in Parliament, pointing out that the project would fail. However, with the overwhelming majority, the Barisan Nasional Government carried the day. Then, IWK has failed and the Government has spent hundreds of millions of ringgit to put it in order.

Four years ago, Tan Sri Tajuddin bought the 29.09% of the MAS shares at RM 8 per share. Now, the market price is over RM 3. But, the Government bought back from him at RM 8 per share. What is the circumstance behind this bail-out?

The Government privatized the Light Rail Transit, LRT, project. It has made a loss. Then, the Government issues RM 6 billion bonds to reorganize public transport. There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve public transport. Nevertheless, the Government would have to come out with the truth about the LRT.

What is the privatization policy? The Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department has been working on the various privatized projects. Some succeed and some fail. Out of the 434 projects, how many have done well and how many badly?

Dr Tan Seng Giaw