KUALA LUMPUR: Ministers no longer have "kang tao" (Hokkien slang for money-making opportunity) as they are not allowed to personally endorse any proposed government project, says Anthony Loke.
"Gone are the days when ministers can just write down "setuju" (agree) or "jalan" (go ahead) on application letters," said the Transport Minister.
He said that when he first took office in 2018, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission briefed all ministers that they cannot write anything that implies that the project should be awarded to any particular company, and this includes support letters.
"All projects now go through an open tender process. I can only suggest that the department consider or deliberate.
"There is no need to lobby ministers as they can no longer give you a project.
"Ministers have no 'kang tao' right now, as there is a process for project approval," said Loke at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Power Chat 6.0 here on Thursday (June 26).
Also present were ACCCIM president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, logistic industry stakeholders and ACCCIM constituent members, who put forward pertinent questions to the minister during the Q&A session.
On the topic of women-only coaches in public transport, Loke said these were broadly welcomed by female commuters who make up a larger portion of those who use public transport."
He said statistics show that 65% of public transport users are women and these carriages provide a comfortable and safe travel experience.
"We are not suggesting that all male passengers have ill intentions but incidents of harassment have occurred, so preventive measures are necessary," he said.
Loke noted that women-only carriages is not related to religion and that "women of all faiths need protection."
Addressing broader economic concerns, Loke assured that the unity government would not allow Malaysia's economy to collapse.
"Despite recent dissatisfaction over tax policies, we are willing to listen to public opinion and make necessary adjustments.
"I can assure you that the government is monitoring everything. We are not perfect, but we are listening," he said.
Quoting the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from a recent cabinet meeting, Loke said; "usually, once the Finance Ministry makes a decision, it doesn't change its mind. But why are some things changing now? It's because we listen to public opinion.
"As a Cabinet member, I can tell you we want to propel the nation forward. We want Malaysia's economy to soar and we certainly don't want people to lose their jobs. If some policies are truly unworkable, we are willing to make changes," he said.
