Former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng today feared that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would practise 'double standard' and become a political weapon for certain parties.
In a press conference in Parliament today, the Member of Parliament for Bagan said he and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have no problem if the MACC wants to conduct a comprehensive study on 101 projects awarded through direct negotiations.
However, he stressed, the MACC also needs to be fair and conduct a similar study on the direct negotiation projects carried out during the era of Barisan Nasional (BN) and the Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“We are worried that there is a 'between two castes' problem, where the MACC study is only conducted on PH’s direct negotiation projects, and not on projects in the BN and PN era. The failure of the MACC to conduct a study on their direct negotiation projects can lead to negative perceptions between two castes or 'double standard'.
"Hopefully, the MACC can prove that they are not a political weapon of any party by also conducting a comprehensive study on PN and BN, whether there are elements of corruption, malpractice and abuse of power in this matter," he added.
On Monday, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz in the Dewan Rakyat sitting said records have shown the Ministry of Finance when led by Lim Guan Eng previously, has approved the 101 projects through direct negotiations.
However, he explained in certain circumstances, the method of procurement through direct negotiations was allowed with the approval of the Ministry of Finance based on certain criteria such as involving the urgent needs of the country.
MACC in a follow-up statement informed that the anti-corruption body will get a list of 101 projects from the Ministry of Finance which are said to be given through direct negotiations during the PH era.
"A comprehensive study will be conducted to determine whether there are elements of corruption, malpractice and abuse of power in this matter," he added.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the way Tengku Zafrul exposed it was as if giving a project through the concept of direct negotiations was an offence and not allowed.
The Langkawi Member of Parliament said the people have the right to get full information on the details of the projects, especially who gets the 'special favours'.
Firdaus Azil
Wed Aug 26 2020
Former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng today feared that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would practise 'double standard' and become a political weapon for certain parties - Foto BERNAMA
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.