KUCHING, Feb 28: There should not be any unethical elements in any project procurement by government agencies, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the Sarawak government is fully committed to ensuring that project procurement is based on open tender and adherence to approved processes and procedures.
“All agencies must strengthen their procurement processes and procedures.
“In this regard, procurement must be undertaken on the basis of transparency and integrity to avoid unnecessary additional cost, which may hike up the cost of work or products,” said Abang Johari, whose text-of-speech was read out by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah at ‘Majlis Amanat Perdana Integriti 2022’ held at a hotel in Sibu, today.
Abang Johari emphasise that there is also a need to review tender processes to ensure that projects are implemented according to schedule, specifications and within budget.
He said the lowest tender bid may not be the most economical to undertake the project successfully if its tender sum was below the consultant’s estimate which could lead to unnecessary delays and other financial as well as technical issues.
He also pointed out that the implementing agencies must conduct proper evaluation of tender bids to accept the best bid.
“A failed project would be a great loss to the rakyat who expect the government to deliver the project.
“I am utterly serious about this matter, which is why I keep on repeating the same issue.
“I demand that all agencies adhere to my directive that projects to be implemented timely, economically and successfully based on processes and procedures,” he said. — DayakDaily
