THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has requested the National Audit Department to conduct a special audit on the Health Ministry (MOH), said chairman Wong Kah Woh.

This comes after Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki said the agency is investigating alleged abuse of power, corruption and malpractice in Covid-19-related procurements.

“The audit must be expedited and the findings given to PAC so it can ascertain whether MOH’s Covid-19 medical equipment procurement process was indeed corrupted,” said Wong in a statement today.

“PAC will also request the Finance Ministry, MACC and other relevant ministries and agencies to brief and explain on this matter.”

On Tuesday, Azam said the anti-graft agency is investigating a case involving abuse of power (diverting relief aid and stimulus packages), corruption (medical service procurement) and fraud (quantity and quality of medical protective equipment).

The case also involves the alleged bribery of enforcement officers during movement control orders, he added.

Former health minister Dr Adham Baba, in response, admitted that he received complaints concerning this matter, which allegedly occurred at the administrative level, during his tenure.

Due to the health crisis, many procurement processes bypassed normal procedures, and there was also confusion in implementation, he added.

“We used emergency procurement as there was an urgent need for many things to be done quickly. There were some orders that required us to make deposits that did not go through the usual processes.

“There were things that I am aware of and as the (health) minister at that time, I advised them.”

He said he will cooperate with any investigation, while his successor, Khairy Jamaluddin, said the ministry will cooperate with MACC. – May 27, 2022.