Land for Ngeh proves cronyism is alive and kicking

Nik Aziz (pic by Mkini)

Both Nik Aziz, the PAS spiritual king, and YB Ngeh, the Perak DAP boss, have denied allegations that the 10,000-plus ha land in Kelantan valued at over RM30 million had been "given" to Ngeh in 2008 to "buy" his consent for the appointment of a PAS Menteri Besar for Perak. Ngeh described the accusation "a blatant lie" [Malaysian Insider] and Nik Aziz says land for Ngeh was "not a bribe" [Malaysiakini]. 

We can expect a slew of multi-million ringgit lawsuits to follow, of course, which makes any attempt to dig deeper into the issue very unattractive for bloggers like us. Nevertheless, do read the Malaysiakini's "explanation" carefully. I find that for all the talk against cronyism and nepotism etc, our friends in Pakatan are comfortable giving it to friends and people they know. They may have another name for it but call it what you like, that's CRONYISM.

As for whether YB Nizar's seat was worth the RM30 million, I shall leave it to you dear readers and the already busy courts! But for context, do read: 

Reaksi Ngeh-Nga, Nik Aziz gelabah by the Unspinners

DAP's Pingat, Pangkat, Bukit, Harta, Rumah & Tanah by Syed Akbar Ali

Kes Ngeh-Nga dan tanah balak Kelantan oleh Helen Ang

Excerpts from Malaysiakini's article in defence of Nik Aziz and Ngeh & Nga:

The duo, who are cousins, have reportedly denied the allegation but refused to confirm whether they are owners or directors of Upayapadu Plantation. 

Land given to Kelantan Islamic Foundation
In the statement today, Ahmad Fadhli explained that the land located in Relai forest reserve in Gua Musang had been given to the Kelantan Islamic Foundation by the state government on Sept 13, 2000, to be used as a resource to fund the foundation’s operations.
After failing to develop the land through a joint-venture with a company in 2000, the foundation took back the land and cancelled the development, he said.
In May 2006, the foundation leased the land to Upayapadu Plantation, which was then chaired by Wong Yeon Chai, for 50 years at an annual rental of RM100 per acre for rubber plantation and RM150 per acre oil palm plantation.
Ahmad Fadhli said the change of directors and shareholders to Ngeh had been conveyed to the foundation in May this year ...