Projambat ****

Dato’ Bakri Senan was pleased with himself. He rubbed his hands in glee. The mother of all mega projects. And he was piggy-backing on the PM’s 1-Malaysia concept. Brilliant.

***
The team was dressed super smart. Dato’ Bakri, his uncle Abu Seman and their partner Dato’ Tan Ah Chai were the only Malaysians. The rest were whites, a couple of Chinese, and the three African financiers. A formidable team. Dato’ Bakri looked at them, all seated in the waiting area of the Minister’s office. Malaysia Boleh. 1- Malaysia. He smiled at Abu Seman proudly.

***

The tall white guy had a commanding voice. The minister listened attentively. The officers sat around, disinterested. A few were waiting for cues from the Minister on how they should react. They were waiting for any tell-tale signs.

“Our concept is in consonance with the One-Malaysia idea. As Malaysia embarks on a period of unprecedented economic growth, social progress and cultural development, key infrastructure projects will play an important role in the success of the region. From superhighways and bridges to express rail links and development regions the most dynamic projects will connect people and regions.Our bridge is designed to be the world’s longest link at 680.93 km. It will be entirely privately funded. The East West Bridge (Projek Jambatan Barat Timur - Projambat) will connect peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak across the South China Sea. An ambitious project that will fuel the growth of Malaysia and Southeast Asia and have a lasting global impact, the crossing will provide increased political security and ignite social change across the region.The creation of a crossing between the Malaysian peninsula and East Malaysia will dramatically change .............. " he went on.

The Minister was in a reverie. If only he could pull this off, he was secure for a few generations. Some of the officers were also eyeing the minister, hoping he would make some positive noises. They could see immense possibilities and opportunities.

***
The African financier was speaking now. His English was highly accented, and barely decipherable.

“This ah privately funded initiative (PFI) and de project will fuel the growth of Mahlaysiah without playcing annecessary burden on gahvmint. De total cost is estimated at RM 520 billion, and will be fully financed by ahs. De money will be raised through Zimbabweh Dollar Bonds, raised in the International Mahket. Ah course we will require Mahlaysian Gahvmint Guarantees and Securites.”
A lot of mental calculations were going on in several peoples’ heads, once the figure of RM 520 billion was mentioned.
The Minister was looking at the map showing the bridge alignment.
"Could we make it touch that Island midway ? Maybe we could make it a little crooked.”

There were loud guffaws of laughter. The ice was broken. Many heaved sighs of relief.

***

The press was eagerly waiting.

“We have just seen a proposal for a link Bridge between East and West Malaysia. It is a physical realisation of 1- Malaysia, which our beloved Prime Minster has asked us to work towards. It is fully financed by Zimbabwe , and the proponents have assured us it is a safe, viable and profitable project and expected to bring immense benefits – economic, social, political and many other ways. The Government fully supports the project, and our officers will work with the proponents to iron out the details. No questions.”

Dato’ Bakri showed the thumbs up sign, and nodded at Abu Seman and Dato’ Tan.