THE Education Minister is conducting an internal probe to identify those involved in a solar energy project for 369 schools in Sarawak.

Education Minister Maszlee Malik said he had ordered officers in the ministry to find solutions for the project and ensure that the solution is in line with the legal framework.

“This contract involved a hefty amount of the people’s money and they want us to conduct our responsibilities,” he told reporters at the Higher Education Ministry today. 

Yesterday, whistleblower website Sarawak Report claimed that former prime minister Najib Razak had signed off on a RM1.25 billion project to outfit 369 schools in the Sarawak interior to use solar energy.

Najib was reported to have bypassed regular procedures at the Education Ministry so that the project was awarded without open tender to a car rental company in Bintulu, Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The report also said ministry staff who voiced concern over the project were transferred and their police reports were ignored by the authorities.

“I knew about a few flaws in the project early last week, before the news about it went viral recently.

“I immediately ordered the officers to investigate and fully brief me on the matter,” Maszlee said.

He added the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had not shared any details on the investigation as it is still ongoing.

“I had also instructed all officers to give full cooperation so that we can bring those who were guilty to face justice,” he said. – June 11, 2018.