KUALA LUMPUR – Although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s revised Budget 2023 has commendable promises on good governance and anti-corruption efforts, they will only bear fruition if translated into actual actions, said anti-graft watchdogs.
Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Muhammad Mohan said besides apparent steps in the war against corruption, tangible outcomes of such measures should also be presented to citizens.
“Such transparent disclosures will result in positive perception towards the government’s commitment to combat corrupt practices, while allowing the people to judge for themselves the actions undertaken by (Anwar’s) administration,” he told The Vibes.
Referencing Putrajaya’s cancellation of the RM7 billion Jana Wibawa project that was awarded under direct negotiation by previous administrations, Muhammad said the “positive” decision should be coupled with follow-up details.
The real savings in the case of the Jana Wibawa project (being renegotiated under an open tender) must be transparently reported to show the actual savings made versus the cost using direct negotiations.”
He added that direct negotiations “cannot be done away with completely” as such processes could still be utilised on proprietary items, or for single source supply or service providers.
“Direct negotiations can be applicable in emergency situations, but this must be controlled and sanctioned under strict guidelines.”
Greater protections for whistle-blowers needed
Commenting on the government’s proposal to amend the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2010, which was mentioned in Anwar’s tabling of the Supply Bill 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday, the watchdog labelled the move as “timely” and “low-hanging fruit”.
Muhammad added that protection should be given to informants – even if such actions are prohibited by any written law – while urging the government to push for the amendments to be brought to Parliament this year.
The government should particularly focus on amending Section 6 (of the act), which discourages whistle-blowers from coming forward to report wrongdoings.
“Without addressing Section 6, any amendments to the act will not be effective.”
Section 6 of the act states that any person may make a disclosure of improper conduct to any enforcement agency based on their reasonable belief that any person has engaged, is engaging in, or is preparing to engage in improper conduct.
The section also carries with it the condition that the disclosure cannot break any existing law.
Anti-graft groups have long contended that amendments to Section 6 are especially crucial as in its current form, whistle-blowers are limited to reporting cases to enforcement agencies only, failing which whistle-blower protection will be revoked.
Civil servants must actively participate in anti-corruption efforts
Meanwhile, former TI-M president Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar said other relevant parties, including civil forces, must play their roles in implementing reforms towards eradicating corruption.
“The Auditor-General’s Reports have repeatedly suggested that proper administrative principles have not been fully adhered to.
“Every year, the report highlights cases of procured goods, services, and work that cost well above market prices being under-utilised and substandard.
“It is pointless for the government to develop good policies if public servants, contractors, and businessmen do not possess integrity in the implementation of formulated policies,” Akhbar, who is also Malaysian Association of Certified Fraud Examiners president, told The Vibes.
He also lauded Anwar for his stern stance against power abuse and cronyism, while expressing his hopes that other cabinet members will back the prime minister’s endeavours.
Expressing similar sentiments, Malaysia Corruption Watch president Jais Abdul Karim said committee members and procurement officers should avoid being influenced by any parties when deciding on awards for government contracts.
“Public procurement officers and whoever is given the authority (in handling government projects) play a substantive role in accessing, evaluating, and making decisions in awarding contracts).
“They should be the gatekeepers and also be held accountable for any leakages,” he told The Vibes.
He added that while proposals outlined in the budget have the power to enhance accountability, cut down on corruption, and increase transparency, it is also crucial to ensure that enough funding is set aside to oversee and enforce such policies.
On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a bill related to contract governance will be tabled in Parliament as a guide for procedures on procurement and award of contracts.
He added that enacting the law is crucial in curbing leakages due to corruption, excessive profits, or other anomalies that lead to the people having to shoulder burdens due to non-compliance with set governance. – The Vibes, February 27, 2023
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