Simon claim that OTK use private jet not in capacity as Transport Minister

KUALA LUMPUR – Whenever Ong Tee Keat utilises the use of a private jet, he did so in his capacity as the president of MCA, the transport minister’s political secretary, Simon Lim, has clarified.

Flights booked by the Transport Ministry for the minister are generally confined to services offered by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia or Firefly, as stipulated in the General Order.

The General Order merely mentions that the government will not pay for flights taken by the minister other than MAS, Firefly or AirAsia within the country, without the approval from the Ministry of Finance. It does not mean that ministers are prohibited from hiring private planes.

“It is just that the cost will have to be borne personally by the individual minister,” Lim said in a statement.

What Ong's schedules revealed

In any case, it is clear here that Ong did not hire the flights in question in his capacity as the transport minister.

“A check on his schedules shows that he had been traveling on MAS, AirAsia or Firefly on all occasions in his capacity as minister. It is clear that the usage of the jet was for MCA’s official functions and it was requested by the office of the president of MCA, and not the Minister of Transport Malaysia,” said Lim.

“Therefore, such flights are paid from the personal account of the president of MCA”, he said.

Lim further said that Ong has been firm and consistent in separating his two offices ie the office of the president of MCA and that of the office of the Minister of Transport. This is usual practice of the office where even the distinction between letterheads of MOT and MCA is maintained.

Lim pointed to the inconsistencies in the statements of Wijaya Baru Aviation Sdn Bhd’s Faisal Abdullah which he suggested were clearly meant to defame and character assassinate.

“On Aug 12, Faisal claimed that Ong owed US$40,000 for chartered flights. Then, he changed his tune when he found out that those jets cannot be hired since the company does not have the license (Air Operators’ Certificate) to do so. He then came up with the US$10,000 figure being for fuel and airport charges on Aug 13. At a press conference the same day, Faisal changed his position again saying that it was just based on an ‘understanding’ which has yet to be substantiated.

Out on a vengeance

Lim wondered whether Faisal is on a vengeance, since his name and that of KDSB boss Tiong King Sing were mentioned by the PKA Task Force a day before.

“Unless agreed upon, it is not reasonable for a person who lends someone a car for a short trip to expect petrol expenses to be paid, less so to pay for maintenance of the car.

“Perhaps my minister may have been a little thoughtless by not offering to pay for fuel and airport charges but he is certainly not committing anything illegal,” Lim said.

The political secretary also challenged Faisal and Tiong to reveal the names of other ministers or politicians who have taken rides on Wijaya Baru plane, and show proof that they paid for the fuel charges (based on the principle that he who alleges must prove the allegation.)

Lim said to date, neither Ong nor his office received any statement or invoice requesting payment from Wijaya Baru.

"I hope this clarification will put to rest, reckless speculation surrounding payments, particularly for flight services, for the minister of transport," he added. (MalaysianMirror)