On Air Now: Mike Hosking

Tell us what you think:

Talkback 0800 80 10 80
Overseas +64 9 307 1080
Text 9292 or Email Host

Mallard defends SOE's Myanmar contract

04/02/2008 15:20:02

The Government is today defending a state-owned company which has been building cellphone towers in Myanmar, one of the most repressive regimes in the world.

National has slammed Kordia's involvement in the project, saying Burma's military regime makes Fiji's Frank Bainimarama look like a junior choirboy.

But State Owned Enterprises Minister Trevor Mallard says while he would have liked to have known about the contract, it is not the end of the world.

The Prime Minister has chimed in, accusing Mr McCully of being involved in a hopeless beat-up. Miss Clark says she has never thought of the word McCully and ethics going into the same sentence. She says she knows nothing better to spread the word about democracy and repression than cellphones.

Trevor Mallard concedes Government owned companies should set higher standards, but he believes Kordia, formerly BCL, is aware of that.

He says it has to be seen in perspective, as the contract was only worth $80,000.

Share this Article:
Bookmark and Share

Related Stories

Swine flu kills 5 Australians
28/06/2009 7:24:01

As news comes that a swine flue vaccine may now not be available this winter, 5 Australians have died from H1N1

> Read More

High hopes for free trade deal
28/02/2009 11:28:01

Meat and Wool expects big opportunities from new free trade deal with ASEAN countries; tariffs phased out over time

> Read More




View All NZ Latest

First round exit for Sacha Jones in Thailand

Kiwi qualifier Sacha Jones has been beaten 6-4 4-6 6-1 by Italian Alberta Brianti in the first round of the WTA Tour's Pattaya Open

Read More

Refs to front at post match media conferences

Major rethink for rugby's referees who will attend post-match media conferences in future to be held accountable for their performances

Read More

All Whites friendly could derail Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix officials putting contingency plans in place for possible A-League playoff which would be affected by All Whites friendly

Read More

Chiefs feeling the heat in Durban

Hot and humid conditions set to make Chiefs opening Super 14 match in Durban a challenge, but on bright side Callum Bruce likely to play

Read More