‘PAST ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS FELL ON DEAF EARS’
Education Ministry has started probe into scandal, says Maszlee
EDUCATION Minister Dr Maszlee Malik yesterday claimed there were past attempts to resolve issues relating to a project of supplying solar panels and diesel to 369 schools in Sarawak.
However, he said, the advice from several Education Ministry officers were ignored.
“I have been told there are problems regarding the award of contract of this project and there may be serious elements of non-compliance with procurement procedures,” he said at his office here.
He said the Education Ministry had started its probe into the scandal, adding that 51 per cent of the project was supposed to be completed on May 15, but the percentage of completion was “very low”.
He, however, declined to elaborate on the matter as it was being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“I have instructed all (ministry) officers to give their cooperation so that we can bring the culprits to justice.”
“We will ensure the electricity supply to these (369) schools are not disrupted, especially when school reopens after the (twoweek) holidays.”
He said starting from Jan 1 last year, the contract was given to Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd to supply solar hybrid system and diesel to the 369 schools.
“The project duration is for three years, starting from Jan 1 last year until Dec 31 next year. The project value is huge... more than RM1 billion (including the Goods and Services Tax).”
Maszlee questioned why such a big project did not go through an open tender.
It was reported that the project was awarded to the company by then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak without open tender.