This came under the Gas Supply (Amendment) Bill 2015 that was passed in the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon.

Wong said these powers were earlier under the Energy Commission, which falls under the energy, green technology and water ministry.

Wong said now the power had shifted to the Prime Minister’s Department.

“This Bill looks very innocent. It looks like nothing is wrong. No, it is not. The gas industry is a multi-billion dollar industry.

“This amendment may effectively legalise crony capitalism and allow Ali Baba practices to continue legally.”

Wong said the prime minister would have the power to designate licences, which could create a monopoly.

“We are in the 21st century. We are still pushing for a monopoly in licences. The prime minister has an undue interest in the industry because his permission is needed.”