MCA senator calls for open tenders
Malaysiakini.com
Mar 21, 2008

The prime minister has been urged to make sure that all development projects by the government are awarded through open tenders and not to those with political patronage. MCPX

lee sing chooiThis call was made by the MCA’s education bureau chief Lee Sing Chooi, who said that the recent general election results showed that voters had “rejected previous practice of squabbling for projects by those in power”.

“The prime minister must ensure all projects that are to be implemented are awarded through open tenders with transparency and not given to those that are influential and powerful,” said Lee in a statement today.

He said that this was one of the effective ways to fight corrupt practices and corruptions of all forms.

Lee, a senator, added that it was time for the new administration to live up to the call of staying away from corruption, serve with integrity and dignity.

“The 2008 election result was a wake-up call for Barisan Nasional to review and re-engineer itself to stay relevant and win back the confidence of the people.

“The previous practice of squabbling for projects by those in power at all levels for personal gains and to continue staying in power was rejected by the voters,” he added.

Get professionals to help

abdullah ahmad badawi goverment projects 040604He said that under the political patronage system, the money and resources meant for common people were siphoned away and many decisions made were biassed with personal interest.

Lee said that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi must take the bold step of inviting professionals from NGOs to sit in tender boards as a good check and balance.

The he said, would also effectively help him achieve integrity and dignity in his new administration.
            
The open tender system for government projects is often bypassed with the implementation of the National Economy Policy, an affirmative action policy which favours the bumiputeras.

However over the years the NEP has been abused by those in power to enrich themselves or their cronies.

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