Bumiputera companies no longer associated with delays, cost overruns, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Bumiputera companies should no longer be associated with project delays and cost overruns as they have proven their capabilities in delivering world- class projects entrusted to them.

This, Najib said, was evident in the implementation of Mass Rapid Transit ( MRT) Sungai BulohKajang line which has been in operation since Dec 16, 2016.

“I want to dispel the myth that projects given to Bumiputera companies will be delayed or they are going to cost more.

“No. We have proven that the MRT project was completed ahead of schedule and at lower than the estimated costs,” Najib said at the Bumiputera Empowerment Agenda Appreciation Ceremony here yesterday.

Also present was Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.

At the event, Najib also presented certificates of appreciation to the 10 best Bumiputera vendors for the 20 best government-linked companies (GLCs) for their contributions to the achievements of the Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Agenda.

He said the implementation of a transparent tender also ensured that only capable Bumiputera companies would be able to get the projects.

Najib said in the construction of the iconic MRT project, 51 per cent of the value of the RM21.1 billion project was given to calibre Bumiputera contractors.

“The project was not only successfully completed earlier, but at lower costs,” he said.

Najib said the achievement was achieved via the ‘Carve Out and Compete’ Initiative to produce Bumiputera- owned contractors capable of competing at both domestic and international levels.

“The initiative is introduced under the Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Agenda.

“It provides opportunities for Bumiputera companies to win contracts and participate in mega projects offered by government, GLCs and private companies based on merit, excellent records and the ability to complete projects.”— Bernama