NO MORE NEGOTIATED TENDER PLEASE!
May 3rd, 2008
The Prime Minster’s reply in Parliament on 30-04-08 that under the 9th Malaysia Plan, a total of RM153 billion had been approved for projects, of which RM63 billion or a good 38% were under direct negotiation and the rest by open tender, is something we, as citizens of a civil siciety, have a good reason to ponder over.

Firstly, it is generally observed that negotiated tender could not ensure a fair competition among the suppliers or contractors, and would thus mean that the government would have to pay for a higher cost for goods and services. This has become unduely taxing to the tax-payers.

Secondly, the materials or works secured may not be of the best quality or standed, given the situation that there is limited scope of suppliers or contractors.

Thirdly, direct negotiation with companies seem to provide chances for bribery and corruption, as the power to select suppliers or contractors may then in a position to ask for kick-backs or commissions, which are, in fact, strictly prohibited under the law.

Fourthly, such system tends to breed cronism and nepotism, as the same power may then usurp this golden opportunity to build up its own sphere of support and influence. At the very least, it is hereby argued, favouratism and political patronage may have a good chance to grow under such unhealthy circumstances.

Therefore, if the BN government is serious about to transform itself to become more acceptable to the general public, top on its political agenda should be one of possibly getting rid of the negotiated tender system altogether. However, such a system should only be considered, if at all , only upon failure of an open tender which must be called for at least more than 3 times. This is to ensure that the authority concerned is truely facing a situation whereby no capable supplier or contractor could come forward for a bid, or whereby the subject matter is so unique, so rare or so specific that it is not freely available in the open market.

The Pakatan Rakyat government in the 5 states has already announced to go for open tender for all government projects of the value of over RM20,000 each. This is something of a break-through indeed as we have strong reservation of a negotiated tender system for its inherent weaknesses and chances for abuses as aforesaid. Therefore, it is sincerely hoped that the BN government at both the Federal and State levels, not excluding all the local authorities, district offices, government agencies and statutory bodies , should put down its pride by emulating from the 5 PR state governments in this regard, so that tender should not only be called, but be manifestedly and undoubtedly seen as being openly, transparently, and accountably called!

Please ensure the Barisan Rakyat does a good job in the 5 free states, so that the people in my state of Johor will see hope in the PKR-DAP-PAS coalition and vote BN out the next election. At present, BN is still very strong here because of racial chauvinism and an intense fear of retaliation from the authorities.

BTW, pls ensure the BR (PKR-PAS-DAP) stay united. We are not like the BODOWI team!!! Stay united as a team show BODOWI and his Kitchen Cabinet Team and we are more civilised!! No ISA needed!!

Congratulations to you and ur team! Finally!! I am so glad u r representing the people..Ur such an inspiration to all Malaysians. Please give them hell in parliament.

My advice, ask Anwar to ask those BN MPs to resign , if they want to join PKR/DAP/PAS, and let their constituents decide. Don’t play dirty. Most importantly, don’t trust sabah Umno MPs. You’ll rue that day. We in Sabah know them only too well.

Dear Oris,
Thank you for your concern. In fact we are not interested to lure any MP from BN to join us. Our plan is to consolidate the coalition of KeADILan, PAS and DAP. We can prove to the people we provide better governance than the BN. There is no rush to take over the national government.

Regards,
Tian