KUALA LUMPUR – Maszlee Malik (Simpang Renggam-PH) is urging the government for more details concerning a contract awarded to Media Prima for educational television programmes.
The former education minister, while debating the emergency ordinances, said that during the state of emergency, the government participated in awarding direct tenders.
He said, although there was an emergency at play, transparency and integrity was crucial.
“Didik TV was done via contract pursued through direct negotiation with Media Prima to provide educational content on television.
“The value and length of the contract were not mentioned. The only thing said so far is that RM30.5 million was spent,” Maszlee told the Dewan Rakyat.
The Simpang Renggam MP also alleged that during the direct negotiation process, when the decision was made by the Educational Resources and Technology Division, the Education Ministry’s corporate communications unit (UKK) officer was in attendance.
He added that UKK should never have been involved and demanded an explanation from the Education Ministry.
During his speech, Maszlee also questioned why the contract for Didik TV was given to a private company when the task of providing educational content could have been done by RTM.
He said during his time in government, there were discussions between the Education Ministry and RTM to have a television channel providing educational content.
“Why wasn’t the task given to RTM? When we were in government, we actually discussed with RTM to provide channels for educational content.
“Surely the question of whether there are elements of cronyism could have been dispelled by giving the duties to RTM,” Maszlee said. – The Vibes, October 25, 2021
