NILAI: The Madani government has proven its courage and strength by tabling two Bills that delegate certain powers to Parliament in the name of accountability.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2023, which has been passed in the Senate, is one such initiative aimed at ensuring government policies are implemented responsibly.
“Which government is willing to hand over its powers to Parliament? One example is the Fiscal Responsibility Act. It means that if the Finance Minister announces a policy or debt reduction projection and Parliament approves it, but it cannot be implemented, then the minister must return to Parliament and explain.
“This is to ensure that government policies are fully accountable,” he said when officiating the Madani Rakyat Programme at Dataran Nilai today.
Also present were Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
At the same time, Anwar said the government has also tabled the Government Procurement Act, which has never been brought forward by previous administrations.
He said that once passed and gazetted, the Act will cover all government projects at the federal, state, and local authority levels, requiring them to comply with clear procedures.
“Except for matters involving national security, like purchasing radar systems, which require confidentiality, all others must go through open tender processes.”
“And if the finance minister or prime minister has a conflict of interest — if his son or wife is involved in the company and he influences the decision — he can be prosecuted, as it would be considered a criminal offence.”
“So, whether it’s ministers, officers, or technical staff, all will be held accountable. This is how we ensure the end of corrupt and exploitative practices.
“Only a strong and brave government would dare to surrender such powers in the name of accountability,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
