KUALA LUMPUR – The Environment and Water Ministry has suspended all negotiations with contractors or consultants related to the plant upgrade project for the South Klang drainage catchment area after Parliament was dissolved on October 10.
The ministry said it also postponed the issuance of letters of intent, invitation, and acceptance during the current caretaker government administration.
“The ministry is very careful about taking any action during this caretaker government period. Therefore, the viral statement on the matter is completely irrelevant because no contractual bond has been forged between the government and any company during this period,” said the ministry in a statement today.
The ministry said this in reply to allegations by certain parties regarding the awarding of a RM285 million contract to Mangkubumi Sdn Bhd 17 days after Parliament had been dissolved.
According to the ministry, the plant upgrade project was approved in November 2021 under Rolling Plan 1 2021 of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“The procurement process for this project began on October 6, 2021, while the dissolution of Parliament was on October 10, 2022,” said the statement.
Calling the allegation an unfounded accusation, the ministry insisted that the matter must be proven through an investigation by the authorities.
According to the ministry, the Finance Ministry circular letter dated October 18 on the implementation of government procurement was in accordance with the roles and functions of the caretaker government, as well as the guidelines for its role and function that any contractual commitment or undertaking should be avoided. – Bernama, November 17, 2022
