Transparency International – Malaysia (TI-M) is encouraged that the Selangor Government will introduce a new measure towards integrity in the award of contracts by local authorities by having MACC officers sitting on the tender boards of the twelve local councils. However, perhaps the public might be better served by MACC officers being deployed to promptly investigate and clear corruption cases.
If the Selangor Government wishes to address integrity at every stage of the procurement process, including the performance of contracts and post-contract evaluation, TI-M has the expertise, and is willing to help together with civil society, the achievement of this worthy objective.
For example, an initial step would be the implementation of Transparency International’s Integrity Pact (IP). It encourages suppliers not to bribe by providing a level playing field with the assurance that their competitors will also not bribe. The IP comprises a process that includes an agreement between a buyer of goods or services (government department at federal, state or local level) and all bidders/suppliers. The parties will contractually commit not to pay, offer, demand or accept bribes, or collude with competitors before or during performance of the contract. The IP includes a monitoring system that provides for independent oversight (including by civil society) and accountability.
TI Malaysia therefore urges the Selangor Government (and Federal and other state governments) not to hesitate to call upon TI-M to help achieve commitment to accountability, integrity, transparency and good governance.
Issued by
Dr Loi Kheng Min
Secretary General
Transparency International Malaysia
