No direct negotiations for flood mitigation projects, but tender process fast-tracked: PM

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim notes July target, says usual method would require blowing past that

JOHOR BARU – Although there will be no direct negotiations for flood mitigation projects, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) said the tender process will be fast-tracked so the awards will be announced in July.

He also told the Dewan Rakyat that the government is in the process of receiving tenders for the said projects. “We have introduced a limited tender and (this) will be fast-tracked, because this concerns flood mitigation.

“We are using the fast-track tender process because if we go via the usual route, we cannot get things done by July. “So far as of yesterday, there are no results from the tender procurement process,” he said during question time today.

Earlier, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (Kubang Kerian-PN) asked how the government intends to choose contractors for flood mitigation projects by July. Meanwhile, Anwar said the government remains committed to stopping the procurement of tenders via the direct negotiation process.

“The best way to do things is through tender. Sometimes, projects are given on the basis of awarding Bumiputera companies, which I agree with. “Which is why the government is reviewing the Jana Wibawa projects. However, it must be via tender or a limited tender process.”

Last month, Anwar announced the cancellation of all unimplemented projects that were awarded under direct negotiation by previous governments. “Government procurements must be done transparently and openly, based on good governance,” he said when tabling Budget 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat.

“I have said earlier that the RM15 billion flood mitigation project can be saved. Jana Wibawa, meanwhile, costs RM7 billion, but we have cancelled its implementations. We have cancelled direct negotiation projects – all of them, don’t worry.”

Anwar said these projects will instead be renegotiated under an open tender, and that the country is expected to save about RM3 billion from this.

– The Vibes, March 14, 2023