The Ministry of Finance has directed that all substantial government projects must go through the open tender process. The contract should be broken into smaller packages so that more contractors can be involved.
KUCHING: State Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Chong Chieng Jen has urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to intervene and investigate the two proposed mega road construction projects in the state.
He said the Coastal Road Project, which is estimated to cost RM5 billion and the Second Trunk Road Project costing RM6 billion, would be funded by the state government.
“In light of the fact that the two proposed projects are now in the final stage of processing by the state Public Works Department (PWD) and that letters of award may be issued within this one to two weeks, we urge that an investigation to be carried out immediately.
“Whereby, based on the announcements made by the Minister in-charge, it is obvious that the two proposed amount are clearly over-priced,” said the Stampin MP, who is also state DAP chairman.
Chong said there was no open tender held for the selection of contractors by the state Public Works Department for both proposed road construction contracts.
“Since the change of the Federal Government after 14th General Election, the Ministry of Finance has directed that all substantial government projects must go through the open tender process.
Chong pointed out even though that may be a directive from the Federal Government, such good practice ought to be emulated by the state government as well.
“Especially when it involves billions of the people’s money, though we do not have the official details of the projects involved,” he added.
Chong also said that the contract should be broken into smaller packages so that more contractors can be involved.
Source: The Borneo Post
Indie Borneo 