Chong said the recent special internal audit on the project did not find any conclusive evidence of misconduct or fraud.

However, there were questions on several decisions and lopsided agreements that could be raised, he said.

“As the former chairman of Perak State Development Corporation, he (Zambry) had direct control over PCB, PCB Development Sdn Bhd (PCBD) and Animation Theme Park Sdn Bhd (ATP).

“He must explain and be fully responsible for the increase in the cost of MAPS.

“This is most shocking and appalling as RM607 million represents 57.21% of the 2019 Perak state budget, which stood at RM1.06 billion,” he told a press conference on the special audit on MAPS construction and development here today.

Chong also asked Zambry to explain why he allowed PCBD, which owns a 51% stake in ATP, to be solely responsible for the additional funding of MAPS by approving three shareholder advance agreements totalling RM250 million.

“Of the RM250 million approved shareholder advance agreement, PCBD had advanced payments of RM198 million to ATP, with an additional RM6.2 million advance payment from PCB to ATP.

“However, RSG Maps Sdn Bhd (RSGM), which holds 49% of ATP, only paid RM6.25 million to ATP while RM204 million was given to ATP by PCB and its subsidiary, PCBD,” he said.

Chong said the audit report also showed that RM413 million out of the RM607 million project cost was paid either directly, in the form of advances or payments, to Sanderson Design Group (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (SDGM), the main contractor of MAPS.

He said SDGM was currently in receivership.

A creditor meeting called in May 2018 by the appointed liquidator revealed that the company only had RM1,500 left in its bank accounts.

“I agree with the internal audit opinion that a review on SDGM’s accounts is needed and will raise this matter in the coming state Public Accounts Committee meeting next Tuesday and get to the bottom of this issue,” he added.