Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) Calls for Transparency in Toll Concession Agreements

Tan Sri (Dr) Ramon V. Navaratnam,
President Transparency International – Malaysia
26th Jan 2007

TI-M is disappointed by statement of the Works Minister, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu that the toll concessionaire agreements are classified secrets.

TI-M is also gravely concerned that the Government has decided not to make these agreements public.

The classification of such information as “official secrets” seems to go counter to principles of transparency, accountability and good governance. These concessions pertain to issues that are of vital public interests with direct impacts on the use of public funds and taxpayers’ and consumers’ interests.

TI calls upon the Government to explain why such information is considered “official secret” and the legal and moral grounds that justifies and sanctions such a decision.

In the interests of transparency, good governance and accountability, TI Malaysia calls upon the Government to urgently review the matter and consider releasing important documents such as these to public scrutiny and evaluation.

The Government must be committed to promote transparency and accountability in our public procurement system and these include privatization and concessionaire agreements. The commitment must be practised across the board, without exception. 

TI-M calls upon Government to “walk the talk” and ensure transparency, accountability and good governance in all aspects of public policy especially where it pertains to public procurement, privatization and concessionaire agreements.