GOVERNMENT contracts, licences and Approved Permits (APs) will only be awarded to those who are capable of executing projects and concessions, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said this was because the practice of selling government contracts, licences and APs was rife in the past.

“(There were) a lot of opportunities that were wasted due to the awarding of contracts to unfit parties, who do not have the capability, which has also resulted in contracts being sold,” Dr Mahathir said in a press conference after chairing a special cabinet meeting in Putrajaya today. 

“We cannot allow for government contracts, licences and APs to be sold,” he added.

“In the past, we created a lot opportunities, giving out opportunities to everyone, but they ended up selling the contracts. This time, no selling of contracts.” 

He said if fit parties could not be found to award contracts to, “we will train them until they qualify”.

A three-hour cabinet meeting was held this morning at the Prime Minister’s Office, with discussions on the Shared Prosperity Vision 2021-2030 on the top of the agenda. – September 14, 2019.