MACC to vet projects approved by PH through direct deals

(FMT) – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) says it will be going through the full list of 101 projects approved through direct negotiation under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration.

In a statement, the anti-graft agency said it would conduct a holistic study to determine if there were any elements of corruption, irregularities or abuse of power involved.

“MACC confirms receiving several memorandums from NGOs today regarding the award of 101 projects or government procurements worth RM6.61 billion through direct negotiation,” it said.

“We will be obtaining the list of projects said to be given through direct negotiation under the previous government from the finance ministry.

“We ask all parties to give the agency room to study the matter.”

Yesterday, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz revealed that 101 projects worth RM6.61 billion had been approved through direct negotiation under PH.

The minister’s reply caused an uproar in the Dewan Rakyat among MPs from both sides of the political divide.

Earlier today, former finance minister Lim Guan Eng challenged Tengku Zafrul to make public the list of projects, adding that even if the figure was true, it would only make up some 1.4% of total government procurement worth RM477 billion during PH’s 22-month tenure.

“If he (Zafrul) wants to make an accusation, back it up with facts and figures,” he said.

“Be transparent, be brave. He made the accusation, back it up.”