ALOR STAR – Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor told the state assembly that his administration plans to do away with cartels in government-linked companies (GLC) in order to give opportunities to other qualified contractors.
In his response to queries by Hanif Ghazali (Tg Dawai-PAS) and Datuk Johari Abdul (Gurun-PH) the Kedah menteri besar took note that there are some contractors who have monopolised GLC contracts and deprived others from getting the chance to prove themselves.
“They take nine out of 10 projects, leaving others with zero, and this is not only happening in Kedah but elsewhere as well,” he said.
Sanusi advised the affected parties to lodge reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police.
He added that these individuals should be arrested and face the consequences, seeing that it is unfair for better qualified contractors, reiterating that they ought to be given a shot at government projects as well.
“If the contractors take part in the tender process, they feel happy even if they don’t get projects,” said the Jeneri assemblyman adding that he will not hesitate to “go to war” with these cartels.
Sanusi said for starters, he will order all state GLCs to carry out lot drawing exercises for smaller projects and not to give up projects through direct negotiations to companies run by “cartels”.
Sanusi said when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was deputy prime minister, GLCs were formed to help small-time contractors, but nowadays it sems that they have lost that original intention to help the small-timers.
He added GLCs must follow open tender and request for proposal guidelines set out by the Federal Treasury.
Furthermore, Sanusi promised that there will be better efforts to advertise GLC tender projects to ensure a more equitable playing field for those interested in taking up government projects. – The Vibes, November 18, 2021
