Probe into Malaysia's loss of RM4.5 trillion necessary, says think tank

SHAH ALAM - The government's decision to order an investigation into reports that Malaysia suffered a huge loss due to corruption and leakages is the right move as every RM1 spent must have the desired results and impact on the people and the country.

Emir Research president and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Rais Hussin said preventive measures must also be taken to ensure radical transparency in all government affairs.

"A very good decision by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to order an investigation into the huge losses suffered by the country due to corruption and leakages.

"One of the preventive measures taken to ensure transparency in all government affairs is only practising an open tender system. No more direct negotiations or limited tenders and monopolies in business should be eliminated.

"Therefore, the input-output-outcome or result-impact (IOOI) model must be practised in all procurement stages from budget planning to budget implementation," he told Sinar Ahad.

On Saturday, Anwar said that he had ordered an investigation into reports that Malaysia suffered losses of up to RM4.5 trillion in a period of 26 years due to corruption and leakages.

Previously, Emir Research had that Malaysia is estimated to have suffered a loss of RM4.5 trillion in a period of 26 years due to corruption and leakages.

Commenting further, Rais said the importance of a solid application of IOOI in the public sector in Malaysia as one of the fastest ways to rebuild its national potential in every aspect.

"We want to emphasise once again how important the implementation of the IOOI approach is for the good of this country.

"Only leaders who are truly interested in rebuilding Malaysia from the ruins will prioritise and fight for the implementation of IOOI in various public service sectors.

"On the contrary, those who want to maintain the culture of leakage will ignore, delay or oppose directly," he explained.