SHAH ALAM, June 12: The Central Government has been urged to set up an Independent Technical Investigation Committee with regards to the collapse of the Penang Second Bridge railing to find the cause of the incident.
Bayan Baru Member of Parliament, Sim Tze Tzin said that the committee should comprise of the country’s leading technical experts who have power such as the “Highland Tower” committee.
“For now, investigations conducted by the authorities are confidential and will not be shown to the public with exception in court,” said Sim in a media statement.
He stressed that all investigations should be carried out thoroughly touching several aspects such as design, planning and construction.
“This committee should also conduct investigations transparently by holding on-going public hearing while conducting investigations.
“These hearings are important to make sure that the people know everything in detail and directly to restore confidence in the second bridge,” he said.
He said that the hearings are important because projects in Penang where the state government has approved the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) with the Federal Government has to be in accordance with ‘customary compliance’ in spirit of the FOI.
“Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the Works Minister, Datuk Fadilah Yusof have been called to visit the incident site immediately.
“They must take responsibility for federal projects and to not have a ‘hands-off’ attitude,” he said.