KUALA LUMPUR: Rent-seeking, sub-contracting and interference in procurement exercises will be criminalised under the Government Procurement Bill, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In tabling the Bill for the second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said firm punitive action will be taken against offenders.
“Regardless of whether they are public servants including ministers, retirees, contractors, or any other parties, if found guilty, they may be subject to fines or imprisonment,” he said.
Offences such as transferring or subcontracting awarded procurements or contracts, including rent-seeking activities, will be liable to a fine of not less than three times the value of the awarded procurement or contract, or RM1mil, whichever is higher, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.
Failure to disclose interests, including the interest of any beneficial owner, may also result in a fine not exceeding RM250,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both.
“Interference that disrupts the Government procurement process may also be considered an offence and may be punishable by a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both,” he said.
The Bill was tabled for the first reading on Monday (Aug 25).
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