NEW LAW AGAINST ECONOMIC SABOTAGE TO BE DRAFTED

Move to prevent bribes in tender processes, says GIACC D-G

ANEW law that focuses on economic sabotage to combat the culture of “Ali Baba”, a term used to describe the practice of offering bribes in tender processes, in government procurement is expected to be tabled in Parliament in April.

Governance, Integrity and AntiCorruption Centre (GIACC) directorgeneral Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would draft the new law after a carrying out a study.

Abu Kassim said the draft would be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (A-GC) before being brought to the cabinet.

“GIACC is reviewing amendments on Section 20 of the MACC Act 2009, which states that it is an offence for tender holders to give bribe to withdraw the tender. However, there is no provision (in the Act) that says it is illegal to sell tenders. This applies to all, including Bumiputera.

“We are reviewing this matter, together with MACC, to see how the legislation can apply to criminal and civil elements, as well as how action can be taken against those who sell tenders,” he said at the Johor Integrity and Good Governance Conference here yesterday.

Abu Kassim said details to be reviewed included the definition and explanation of sale (of tender), apart from the concept that would apply in the implementation of the law.

Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian, State Secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani, state executive councillors, and JCorp president and chief executive Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim.

We are reviewing this matter, together with MACC, to see how the legislation can apply to criminal and civil elements. TAN SRI ABU KASSIM MOHAMED

Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre director-general