BANDAR Malaysia’s new master developer will be decided by July 14 with requests for proposals (RFP) to be accepted starting June 30, Treasury secretary-general Irwan Siregar Abdullah said today.

He said Putrajaya wants only those with relevant experience and proven track record to bid for the multi-billion ringgit Bandar Malaysia development.

“The RFP process, which will commence immediately, will entail strict criteria and require interested parties to display relevant experience, a proven track record, speed of delivery, content creation and the financial capability to deliver a project of this scale.

“All interested parties are invited to participate in this process provided they can meet these criteria,” Irwan said in a statement today.

He said proposals will be accepted up to June 30, 2017, with a final decision to be made by land owner TRX City Sdn Bhd in consultation with the Finance Ministry on July 14.

TRX City is the new name for 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd, the real estate unit of the scandal-hit 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

He confirmed that Bandar Malaysia will remain fully owned by the Finance Ministry despite a master developer being named.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is also the Finance Minister, announced today Irwan is the new TRX City chairman and will handle all matters related to Bandar Malaysia and other 1MDB land assets.

“I am committed to ensuring that we deliver exciting and sustainable developments that transform the landscape of our capital and benefit the people and the nation to the greatest extent possible,” Irwan said.

Irwan replaces 1MDB president Arul Kanda Kandasamy who was removed last week after the 2015 RM7.41 billion share sale agreement with the IWC-CREC consortium was terminated due to non-payments despite more than 10 extensions.

Putrajaya has said Bandar Malaysia is to be a world-class city-within-a city and serve as a catalyst for fast-track economic development and employment, including the new KL Internet City – the key hub of the new Digital Free Trade Zone.

It will also serve as Malaysia’s transport nucleus, connecting the Kuala Lumpur to Singapore high speed rail, MRT lines, KTM Komuter, Airport Express Rail Link and twelve highways. – May 17, 2017.