PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said tenders for big projects should be awarded purely based on the capabilities of companies and their track records. 

He said this is Malaysia’s guiding principle in awarding tenders for big projects.

“In a meeting today with the tender committee that decides on major projects, I told them the companies’ names should not be made known. 

“Just (refer to them as) Companies A, B, or C … Decisions should be made purely based on the (companies’) track records and financial capabilities,” he said at the Real Estate and Housing Developers Association’s anniversary in Kuala Lumpur tonight. 

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said regarding tenders for projects such as JanaWibawa, they should be given to Bumiputera companies through a selective process, which must be a transparent one. 

He said a transparent tender awarding process is important to fight the “soon endemic” corruption in the country. 

“Corruption will become endemic if not systematically (eradicated) in this country. (We) need courage and determination to change,” he said. 

The prime minister said issues plaguing the housing sector can be resolved by accelerating, changing or simplifying obsolete processes. 

He said there is room for improvement in the country’s regulations and pace of approval necessary for developers.  

“We have talked to all the chief ministers so municipal councils can facilitate and accelerate the processes,” he said. – Bernama, March 15, 2023.