Show transparency in the implementation of projects under the stimulus packages

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that the Federal Government must show transparency, integrity and accountability in the award and implementation of all projects under the two stimulus packages.

Dr Tan follows up on the first and second packages worth RM 7 billion and 60 billion respectively.

On 10.5.2009, the chief operating officer of the Project Management Unit under the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Mohamad Zainal Azim revealed that about 42,000 projects worth RM 5.6 billion had been awarded and implemented under the two stimulus packages. 39,316 projects worth RM 3.4 billion were under the first and 2,745 projects worth RM 2.2 billion under the second. Apparently all projects under the first will be awarded by the end of May, 2009.

When the first package was presented in Parliament on 4 November, 2008 and the second on 10 March 2009, I broached the need for transparency, integrity and accountability in the award of all projects. We keep an eye on the targets, hoping that there will not be wastage.

The second Finance Minister Datuk Mohd Husni has tried to keep things in order. But then, there are other agencies involved such as the Economic Planning Unit and the Project Management Unit.

These packages are meant to strengthen the capacity of our economy to withstand the economic downturn brought on by the American and global economic crisis. The influenza A H1N1 outbreak which is relentlessly spreading to at least 29 countries has aggravated the situation.

If the above-mentioned packages are implemented properly, they will help to prepare the country to cope with the economic woe better. Once the global depression is over, is Malaysia able to make the best of the recovery?

It is not enough to disclose the number of projects and their date of completion. It is equally important to divulge the ways these projects are awarded. Is there such a thing as open tender? Are there ways and means for rent-seeking companies to acquire the projects? How effective is the monitoring of these projects?

Dr Tan Seng Giaw