Sime Darby is reported to have incurred an estimated cost over-run of RM1.7 billion on a Bakun Dam contract worth RM1.8 billion.
It is understood the government has agreed to reimburse Sime around RM0.7 billion, leaving the firm to absorb the remaining RM1 billion, The Star reported.
But who actually owns Sime Engineering, which reportedly was awarded the RM1.8 billion contract? The firm is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Sime Darby Bhd, according to the group’s 2009 Annual Report. Sime Darby Bhd in turn is owned by Amanah Saham Bumiputera Scheme (39 per cent), EPF (14 per cent) and PNB (13 per cent).
That means the government will have to absorb RM0.7 billion and the Sime Darby GLC the remainder. And who benefits? Energy-intensive private firms will enjoy cheap electricity tariffs generated by the dam – if (and that is a big IF) the jinxed dam is functional. Socialising costs/losses and privatising profits.
As the Bakun Dam bleeds red ink, the displaced and marginalised Penan, who lost their ancestral burial grounds to the dam, could well have the last laugh – though one suspects there could be a few more ‘last laughs’ in store.
The government has to give us a breakdown of the total cost incurred on the Bakun Dam, indicating how much of it is incurred by the private sector, by GLCs and by the government itself. The resettlement and other associated costs of the dam should also be included.
Update: Sime Darby has now announced it will be conducting an investigation.
Sime Darby addressing challenges in its energy and utilities Division
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 May 2010 – With reference to recent media reports about Sime Darby’s Energy & Utilities Division, including projects in Qatar and Bakun, the Group would like to confirm that a Taskforce is investigating all aspects of this Division’s business operations in an effort to address the tough and challenging situation it is currently facing. The Taskforce has yet to complete its investigations, and once completed, the Group will make all relevant disclosures during its 3rd Quarterly Results announcement on 27 May 2010.
The Sime Darby Management is aware of the difficulties and challenges besetting its Energy & Utilities Division, especially with regards to operational efficiency and project management, and has instituted a new management team at the Division.
The Group is currently addressing the situation by implementing appropriate measures.
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When will people learn that Mahathir cost this nation so much more than he contributed – the cost of his follies just keep going on and on…
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Dear Joe Busak,
When you mentioned “Mahathir’s contribution” I couldn’t help but think of the following -
Mahathir’s (legacy) to this nation:
* Bigotry
* Hatreds
* Institutionalized Discrimination
* Inefficiency
* Rampant corruption (in the administration)
* Operation Lallang
* Continuous threats of May 13
* Bankrupting the nation’s coffer
… is there anything I forgot to add ?
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u forgot “sodomy”…..LoL
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Brother, we have to “tutup mata”. It all boils down to the inefficiency, imcompetence, so on and so on in allow the cost over-run. We are already immunised. If we apply pressure for an answer, the government will use the provision from the legislative framework “obligations for secrecy” to drag on until we are frustrated with the delay.
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ASB and PNB probably still own 50% of Sime Darby.
If SD were to absorb that RM1 billion loss, it means the net worth of PNB/ASM will be down by RM500million.
This is a small dent to the funds which earn 10 times that amount in a single year.
ASB will still be able to pay at least 8% dividend, just like before and continue to out-perform the best fund managers and financial brains on earth… George Sorros and Warren Buffet included.
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The Government should get this up and going, do all the final costs and benefits before even talking about having a nuclear power plant!!
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If we look at the shareholders, mostly consist of GLC/local institution like PNB and EPF. So any profit will be returned to the people. What is the problem ???
Better ask LGE to explain the dramatically drop of FDI in Penang as claimed by Gerakan.
Show us the CAT !!! Publish the official figure of FDI !!!
p/s: By the way, where is local election as promised by the state government few months ago ???
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Gerakan K,
Sorry to tell you that Gerakan today is so irrelevant and weak. Its politicians are just out to get whatever publicity they can get, and most of the time their accusations are rebutted with solid proof.
At this point of time, I must say, PR is doing extremely well in governing compared to what BN has to offer previously.
With regards to FDI, didn’t your idol MM said that we do not need to depend on FDIs? You sudah lupa ke? We can build our own economy he said.
What is the average FDI per annum during the BN term of governance? Can you please provide the figure basing on the last ten years average figures?
We must also congratulate the PR Government for bringing in huge FDIs in 08 and 09. Well done PR.
With regards to local elections, it is the Federal Government that are not in favour of it, you lupa lagi ke? So PR is considering other avenues to bring back local elections.
Another thing bro, this is for you from your idol MM, incase you did not read it. Really, it is so pitiful for MCA, MIC and Gerakan. How can the Chinese vote them when even MM has doubts about them?
http://www.malaysia-today.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31688:dr-m-tells-umno-to-put-malays-first&catid=19:newscommentaries&Itemid=100131
Cheers bro
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PR = one time wonder (FDIs during 08/09)
Anyway, FDIs in 08/09 partly contributed by Gerakan State Government’s previous effort.
Please ask LGE to give up the MP or CM. He can’t perform well on both posts.
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Gerakan K.
To be honest, I expected you to say that Gerakan contributed to 08/09 FDI. Whatever, it was invested in Penang because the investors thought fit to do so, and have the confidence to do so.
I think LGE will give up his Bagan seat come the next GE.
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Gerakan K,
The cost over run by all those GLCs ends up with situation like this.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-07/malaysia-planning-global-dollar-bond-offering-official-says.html
How do you fancy this? And a big man like you should be picking up national issues not issues of your food going up by .20 or.30 because of affirmative measures by the Government to tackle issues that are wrecking our environments.
I expect better inputs from a man like you, not throwing tantrums because you cannot get your ikan bakar, like Iron. You do not believe? You “Check it Out” in Parliament.
Cheers bro.
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Another HS by-election sore loser attitude.
Let’s see if 20/30 cents thing has impact or not during next GE. Don’t boast too much in this blog. You only expose your issues to relevant parties. GE12 was a surprise to BN. BN has learned a lot behind the scene and something crucial have been setup and running well. It is expected that there is no opposition state government in next GE. Yes, Kelantan and Penang included. Record my comment now and put it in your safe. Open it in 2012 to prove my word.
If possible, keep your daily newspapers until next GE. Some of crucial happenings already well documented and your heroes even missed it completely. How do I know ??? Because they keep barking up on wrong tree. Dream on to Putrajaya.
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Gerakan K,
Come on bro, I never am a sore loser, while I worked hard in HS, I was never sore that PR lost. I even predicted that PR will lose on election eve because of the swing in votes when your PM campaigned. Read my previous comments, please. We win some, we lose some.
I am not boasting bro, come on. Well honestly, UMNO Baru, Perkasa and TDM had insulted the non Malays too much, so it is sort of difficult for BN to win back Penang, Selangor, Kelantan and possibly will lose Perak and Negri Sembilan. How the East Malaysians and Chinese vote in the next GE will greatly influence the results of the election. You must understand that UMNO Baru is vulnerable in many seats in Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Perak where they won by less than 300 votes.
Both ways, I anticipate the GE to be called by 2011 mainly because BN is hell scared of the impending recession that is going to hit our shores. Whatever happened in USA and Europe will hit our shores a year later, and right now, Europe (PIGS) is causing a lot of anxiety to all in Asia. I concur with you that come next GE, either BN will win convincingly or they will lose badly. A lot of hardwork needs to be done
Secondly, if GE is called in 2012, the number of young voters will vote UMNO Baru out. UMNO Baru is damn scared as those young voters are pro PR.
Remember, PR only needed 300,000 votes to win the last GE and form the new Government? Now there are about 4,000,000 unregistered voters and PR are going all the way to woo these voters and to register them.
I respect your comments but sometimes bro, you need to understand, the length UMNO Baru, Perkasa and TDM goes to antagonize the non Malays to win Malay votes may backfire, believe me, if the Chinese, especially, know how to use their votes to teach UMNO Baru/BN a lesson, UMNO Baru/BN will never ever have a 2/3 majority again, never ever!
You must understand bro, in the Peninsular, there are 90 seats where the Chinese form 25% and above of voters and in East Malaysia 13 seats, if these Chinese votes swing to PR, BN pochi la. Do not forget our Indian brothers and sisters, even in Hulu Selangor, their votes in support of PR were huge. No one are fools all the time, and the Indians are no fools and they have awakened. They will not allow themselves to be manipulated by MIC, NEVER again! If I am able to assist the Indians, I will never hesitate to do so, just see their deplorable living conditions bro, forget about politics. MIC should be ashamed if they see the deplorable living conditions of the Indians. You know what these MIC fools did? They sponsored a concert for those poor Indians during the HS by election. Just imagine, no by election means no concert? That is the level those educated Indians are manipulating the poor Indians in the estates, Are those well connected Indians not ashamed of what they did to the poor of their kinds?
Another thing, I do not read newspapers, as I am sure you know what is reported in the newspapers daily, all nonsense. Try not reading newspapers for a month and you will see an entire new world. Read the Sun, minus the advertisements, you get to read what is happening. What I read from newspapers are advertisemnents and what nots. What can you read from the MSM today? The level of journalism had deteriorated so low. Go to Thailand or Singapore, then you will understand what a newspaper is. Today, Sunday, buy a copy of the Star, and see what is there? Be honest to yourself. All advertisements! I would rather subscribe to Malaysiakini and read real news than false ones.
As a PR supporter, I will dream on to Putrajaya, not for myself but for the next generation and I hope you will do the same for your next generation, not yourself.
Cheers bro, wake up! PAS for all. Jom sertai PAS Gerakan K, forget Gerakan, it will never make a comeback and you need to realign your loyalty. Unless, they field new faces, they are gone for good.
Salam Reformasi bro, cheers!
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OK, I have already revealed too much. I have to stop now before someone stop me. Anyway more voters may mean more votes for BN or PR. Who knows ???
O, you have the standard thinking logic of PR supporters. Sometimes I really wonder that whether PR has any strategic planner that devise election strategies.
Anyway, let’s see the Chinese voters’ reaction in Sibu after so many issues as claimed by you. Also, the Indian voters in Selangor already returned to BN (according to the Hulu Selangor by-election analysis).
Finally, Happy Mother’s day to all !!!
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Gerakan K,
Put your money in my pocket or transfer it to my bank account, what is the problem? I will spend it and anyway, the monies will still be in the financial system in Malaysia.
What is the problem?
Cheers bro
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Just imagine:
use the RM1.8 billion for alternative energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, tidal energy, etc, all of which are much more environment-friendly. And maybe we can have some change left for other useful purposes.
Why do we always have to do super mega projects ala Mahathir-style?
Learn from Penang Gov!
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And now they want to build a nuclear power plant in Malaysia. I have a stange feeling this Bakun Dam will be abandoned because it cannot be operated. The curse of the PENANS have finally worked. If the DAM operates, we dont need this nuclear plant. I also suspect they have run into somekinf of trouble with the submarine cable linking east and west malaysia. To cover up the entir mess, they are are proposing nuclear plant. What a ****** mess
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Something do not adds up. It is not possible for engineers to plan a project and have it overrun by almost 100%. This is not the first time a damn is built. How can there can so much variation. If a project has so much uncertainties, then risk mitigation measures must be taken. And it is foolish to take such a project on fixed price.
There must be more than meet the eye.
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Giving the real meaning to >> RM grows on trees by the Billions ! <<
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Just look and see. And then just keep yous mouth shut. Thats all they want.
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(Author requested not to publish)
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Thanks for the feedback, O. I will try and read up on the topic.
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… greedy… cronies still trying to milk the poor rakyat money till today.
Look at this dam project, the cost oveerun is more the the cost of the project. The poor Penans have suffered enough from these greedy…
This is Bolehland.
East Malaysians wake up, and throw these West Malaysians politicians and their greedy… cronies by voting for PKR this coming election in Sibu.
Wake up NOW!!
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(Some of the) East Malaysians will never wake or they are just plain stupid. That is why the white haired freak is in total control of the vast resources and his (wealth). The Bakun Dam …
(These) East Malaysians will still live in the jungles and longhouses, being victims of their own folly.
Wake up before you realize that you may not even have a shelter to call your own home!
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how can that dam will work ….
we all know from day one the biggest dam builder got the project and ekran willthe main con they just drop the project …
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All these go to show that after (the locals took over) Sime Darby was in the hands of incompetent people.This can be seen from the fact its profits are about the same as those of the year 1976 or thereabouts after taking inflation into consideration.
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Gerakan K ,
You are almost certainly a Gerakan member.May I inquire of you whether when UMNO says “Sit!” then Gerakan will
have to … immediately obey the order.
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HOW COULD AND DID THE COSTS EVER OVERRUN WHEN THEY HAVE EXPERTISES IN PROJECT COST ESTIMATIONS AND COSTS CONTROLS DURING THE PROJECT’S IMPLEMENTATIONS BECAUSE THE PROJECT WERE PRE-SUBCONTRACTED TO SUB-CONTRACTORS WHOSE PRICES WERE FIXED FOR THEIR GIVEN TASKS IN THE PROJECTS AND ALL WERE ADDED UP BEFORE PROJECT’S IMPLEMENTATIONS? UNLESS AGAIN, THERE WERE CORRUPT PRACTICES BY AN UNSEEN HAND OF POWER THERE DID NOT & COULD NOT BE ANY SUCH BIZARRE POSSIBILITIES OF ANY COSTS OVERRUN IN SUCH PROJECTS IF IT WERE STRICTLY COSTS CONTROLLED RIGHT FROM THE START OK?
MALAYSIANS ARE SUFFERING THE OPPRESSIVE RULE BY THE ROUGES OF UMNO BN AND WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT THERE ARE MORE RPKS WHO DARE TO EXPOSE & BRING OUT ALL THE WRONG DOINGS OF THE CORRUPTED LEADERS OF UMNO BN TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WHOLE WORLD SO THAT ALL MALAYSIAN VOTERS WILL VOTE WISELY COME GE 13 AND BRING DOWN THE CORRUPTED AND OPPRESSIVE UMNO BN GOVERNMENT SOONEST POSSIBLE FOR THE FUTURE WELL BEING OF ALL MALAYSIAN CITIZENS AS THE COUNTRY’S RESOURCES WILL SOON BE DECIMATED IN NO TIME UNDER THE WASTEFUL AND CORRUPTED UMNO OFFICIALS MIS-MANAGING THE MALAYSIAN ECONOMY.
The war that was necessary to be fought by all Malaysians is the only war against corruption by UMNO Rouges and their oppressive rule by their using Police Force as their tools to suppress dissents ok?
This is necessary so the said Govt. Coffers will not be empty when the new PR Govt. took over from them come next GE, Malaysian Voters should know what is required to throw them all out then because future generations of Malaysians will suffer great poverty after Umno BN would have bankrupted the Govt. Coffers by then if there is no CHANGE OF HANDS AFTER DECADES OF MIS-MANAGEMENT OF THE ECONOMY AND HIDING THE DAMAGED DONE BY POSTING RECOVERY STORIES AND THE OVER-GLORIFIED NEM IN THE MSM FOR SHOW ONLY, HOW TO BELIEVE THE MSM WHEN WHAT THEY TRULY DID WAS TO TELL ALL SORTS OF LIES OR DISTORTIONS FOR THE UMNO BN GOVERNMENT IN POWER WHO CONTROLLED THEIR YEARLY RENEWAL PUBLISHING LICENCES.
ANOTHER OF THE GREAT LIES AND DISTORTIONS THE CORRUPTED UMNO BN WILL TRY TO SPREAD A PROPAGANDA AND IN ORDER TO BRAINWASH AND HOODWINK THE MALAYSIAN GENERAL PUBLIC INTO BELIEVING THERE ARE REAL FUEL SUBSIDIES IN OIL (PETROL & DIESEL) AND GAS, THERE CAN NEVER BE ANY SUBSIDIES IN THESE ITEMS BECAUSE MALAYSIA IS A NETT OIL AND GAS PRODUCER MEANING AFTER THE DEDUCTION OF DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION MALAYSIA HAS PRODUCED AN EXCESS OF THESE ITEMS FOR EXPORT AND WHATEVER IS FOR DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION IS SOLD AT A DISCOUNT AND NEVER CONSIDERED AS SUBSIDY AT ALL QUOTING AN EXAMPLE LIKE OIL AND GAS PRODUCER LIKE BRUNEI AND SAUDI ARABIA AND OTHER GREAT OIL PRODUCERS, DOMESTIC PETROL AND DIESEL PRICES ARE SOLD LOCALLY AT A VERY STEEP DISCOUNTED PRICES AS COMPARED AGAINST WORLD IMPORTERS NON-OIL PRODUCERS’ LOCAL CONSUMPTION PRICES AND THE UMNO BN ROUGES ARE TRYING TO TAKE ALL MALAYSIANS FOR A RIDE BY INSISTING THAT THERE IS A SUBSIDY IN THE OIL AND GAS PRICES BUT IN FACT THERE WERE NONE …
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Mahatir is the root and father to all evil plagueing and destroying this country. The monsters he raised up and followed him are continuing his pattern.
To add on the above, the IC project for illegals…
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iT’S REALLY DISGUSTING TO SEE ALL THIS HAPPENING.PKFZ case,submarine fat commission case,over price of govnt.procurements,toyo mansion,Zakaria palace,and now Bakun.and now they ask us to share the burden of not going bankrupt,gst implementation.
Curb corroption first!!then talk.
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