RM10bil can be saved from leakages in govt procurement system, says PM

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the country could save up to RM10bil from the leakages that occurred in the government procurement system.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that leakages could be stopped if corruption is eradicated at all levels, including changing the old way of doing things namely without political interference or the interests of big businessmen in government procurement.

ALSO READ: No more procurements without tender, says Anwar

"We are experiencing high leakages. In less than two months at the Finance Ministry, I have identified RM3bil to RM4bil that can be saved," he said at the 2023 Budget Dialogue Council themed ‘Membangun Malaysia Madani’ here on Tuesday (Jan 17).

Also present were Deputy Finance Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Steven Sim Chee Keong, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and deputy secretary-general of Treasury (Policy) Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.

Anwar said from his experience, leakages could be reduced if procurement matters are handed over to parties capable of dealing with issues such as floods.

ALSO READ: Anwar: Corrupt ministers will be booted out immediately

Meanwhile, he said Budget 2023 should focus on restoring the confidence of domestic and foreign investors as well as expediting the approval of investment.

"For example, a proposal to introduce an organic farm by a company took two years to be approved.

"...granting approval should be faster and the heads of departments should be held fully accountable in the event of delays and face action for affecting the national economy," he said.

The government will present the revised Budget 2023 in Parliament on Feb 24. - Bernama