KUALA LUMPUR: Local council members in Pahang will no longer be allowed to participate in tender or procurement processes within their own agencies, following the state government’s approval of a recommendation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
This decision was made during a Pahang State Executive Council meeting, where amendments were approved to the PBT code of conduct to include proposed governance improvements.
The recommendation came as a result of an advisory session conducted by Pahang MACC during a special presentation on governance enhancements with the Pahang State Secretary’s office on Aug 7.
MACC Pahang director Mohamad Shukor Mahmud said the move aims to strengthen integrity and efficiency in the state’s administrative processes.
“One of the key issues discussed was the practices, systems, and procedures involving councillors in the selection of tenders and contracts. As a result, a proposal was submitted to improve transparency and accountability in these processes,” he said.
“This advisory proposal followed an investigation by MACC Pahang in 2022 into alleged abuse of power by local councillors in Pekan.
“Although the investigation found no evidence of corruption or abuse of power, MACC identified opportunities to improve the tender and procurement management systems and procedures through a governance review,” he said today.
Mohamad Shukor added that the state government’s commitment to implementing the proposed improvements is highly commendable and a positive step forward.
“This move can bring meaningful change in governance practices and close any loopholes that may allow corruption to occur, especially involving councillors in tender matters.
“It also reflects the ongoing commitment by both MACC and the Pahang government to strengthen good governance and embed a culture of integrity in public administration,” he said.
Under this new measure, councillors will still be allowed to participate in tenders offered by other PBTs, just not within their own agency.
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