THE Government Procurement Bill, aimed at enhancing transparency, governance and integrity in public procurement processes, was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said the second reading is scheduled to take place during the current parliamentary session, which concludes on 28 August.
The bill, drafted on principles of accountability, good governance and transparency, seeks to establish the Government Procurement Appeal Tribunal, among other provisions, with the intention of upholding fairness and integrity while maximising the use of public funds.
According to Clause 2, the proposed legislation will apply to individuals responsible for administering, conducting or implementing government procurement, as well as those participating in it.
Clause 3 outlines the scope of exemptions to the Act. These include procurements involving fiscal agency or depository services, liquidation and management services for regulated financial institutions, and services related to the issuance, redemption and distribution of public debt.
Also exempted are contract-based appointments by the Federation or any State for the delivery of public services, and procurements related to international assistance funded by international organisations or foreign grants, or those carried out under international agreements involving troop stationing or joint implementation by signatories.
Clause 6 provides that the Secretary-General of the Treasury will oversee the administration, control and supervision of the Act.
Clause 9 stipulates that procurement may also be administered by entities other than federal or state ministries or departments.
Clause 10 details that the authority for approving government procurement rests with the Minister, or in the case of a state, the Menteri Besar or Chief Minister, or another authority as determined by the respective state government. Approval may also be granted by a procurement board, a committee or a controlling officer.
Clause 63 sets out the establishment and composition of the Government Procurement Appeal Tribunal. - August 25, 2025
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