TI-M questions lack of tender process in Selangor DRT project
"This issue will be viewed negatively by many and will put Yeoh in a very difficult position."
SHAH ALAM - Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) questions the transparency of tender processing that utilises direct negotiation for the Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) Pilot Project by the Selangor state government.
Its President Dr Muhammad Mohan said that the project was managed by Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd and was implemented in the Klang Valley.
"What is more intriguing is that the chief executive officer of the company, Ramachandran Muniandy, is the husband of the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
"The question is, why is there no tender process? She is one of the ministers seen as dedicated and competent in the cabinet.
"This issue will be viewed negatively by many and will put her in a very difficult position," he said in a statement on Monday.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed that the contract received by Yeoh's husband from the Selangor government had no issues.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that the tender was awarded by another entity unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the minister in question.
Meanwhile, Mohan also urged the Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to intervene in the direct appointment of the company.
He said it contradicted what was promised by the previous Madani Government.
"We urge the state government to conduct a transparent tender process before it affects public perception of the commitment to reform and anti-corruption," he said.
Mohan added the practice of disguised direct negotiations based on technical needs and awarding contracts to cronies in the name of meritocracy still exists.
He further stated that such practices needed to be eliminated as it went against the Unity Government after Anwar took office as Prime Minister.
