MACC is monitoring several ministries for procurement issues, starting with Mindef after a six-month review to plug leaks and safeguard public funds.
KOTA BHARU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is closely monitoring several ministries for potential procurement irregularities.
Chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the monitoring began at the Ministry of Defence following the openness demonstrated by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
“There are several ministries on our radar that we see as having procurement-related issues,” he said at a press conference today.
Azam reported that further discussions with the Defence Minister yesterday covered tender and quotation processes.
He said the procurement review will also cover the Navy and Air Force.
The Commission has deployed four additional integrity officers for a joint exercise with Mindef to address procurement leaks.
Azam stressed this issue requires serious attention as it concerns safeguarding public funds.
“Therefore, it is necessary for both MACC and the ministry to conduct a study, review, and audit,” he said.
“We must sit together to examine leaks and weaknesses in Standard Operating Procedures.”
He added that the Defence Minister agreed to involve relevant experts, including from the National Audit Department.
This is to examine how leaks occur and identify cost-saving methods to ensure transparent purchases.
Azam clarified that the presence of MACC officers at Mindef is to examine procurement issues involving spare parts, maintenance and substantial military assets.
The six-month review will begin shortly.
Meanwhile, MACC has arrested 27 public officials in Kelantan from 2023 to date.
It recorded 406 reports of offences ranging from bribery and false claims to abuse of power.
Investigations have been opened into individuals from various federal and state-level departments.
Azam cited NGOs that misused government assistance and cooperatives that misappropriated loans.
Procurement issues involving development projects have led to 26 investigations being opened.
“Procurement is a consistent issue across all states and is a major source of leakage,” he emphasised.
He has directed MACC officers to be more proactive this year in reducing such cases.
This includes cases involving minerals, illegal logging and unlawful land encroachment.
