GEORGE TOWN: The open tender system subscribed by the Pakatan Harapan government, especially on truly independent experts evaluating tender offers, could be flawed.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) acting president Mohideen Abdul Kader said these independent experts should determine if a company was truly deserving of government contracts.
He said the independent evaluaters would help in ensuring the companies meet safety records and also see if they have flouted labour laws before.
“We also must look at the safety record, treatment of workers and involvement in unethical and corrupt practices by the companies putting forward the tenders,” he told the New Straits Times.
Mohideen's comments came following a revelation by a Penang government official that the RM530 million Bukit Kukus paired road project would be delayed, as one of the project operators was going through cash flow problems.
Malaysian Nature Society Penang Branch adviser D Kanda Kumar, in concurring with Mohideen, said truly independent evaluaters without vested interests was sorely needed in large scale government projects.
He said a lack of independent experts to evaluate proposals could jeopardise the integrity of the open tender system.
“This is because the people will start losing faith in the efficiency of the system, if the projects were continuously delayed or face problems due to incompetence and issues involving the contractors or developers.
“The experts are needed to determine the viability of the proposal as well as the competency of the contractors,” he said.
Kanda said there should also be a thorough background check on the contractors as well as the sub contractors, especially when it comes to their capital funds.
“Not only do you check the main contractors but also any sub contractors appointed,” he said.
It was reported that the contractor appointed by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to carry out the Jalan Bukit Kukus paired road project had been blacklisted from participating in all council projects in the future.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was reported as saying the blacklist was also extended to the consultants and engineering companies engaged by the contractor for the project.