KUALA LUMPUR: An Opposition MP says the Government Procurement Bill should be referred to the Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Finance and Economy for scrutiny before its second and third readings in the Dewan Rakyat.
Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin (PN-Putrajaya), commenting as a member of the PSSC, said it only managed to look at the Bill for the first time on Monday (Aug 25).
“I hope the government can delay the tabling of the Bill and refer it first to the PSSC.
“This is because it is (a matter of great) public interest,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Aug 27).
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Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor responded that, according to Standing Orders, government business takes precedence over other matters.
“If the other side (the government) considers it appropriate, the matter may be reconsidered.
“However, based on procedural rules, government matters must be prioritised; that is my ruling,” he said.
Radzi then stood up to interject, asking the Deputy Speaker to bring the matter to the government’s attention.
“This must be done so the Bill can be delayed in the interest of the nation,” he said.
However, the Deputy Speaker maintained his ruling, saying that he had to be neutral in the matter.
“When I sit in this chair, I must remain neutral.
“I cannot wear either (a) government or opposition ‘hat’.
“The final decision lies with the Speaker,” said Ramli, the Barisan Nasional MP for Cameron Highlands.
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Radzi told a press conference later that Perikatan Nasional MPs were not briefed on the Bill, although he said one was given to government backbenchers.
He added that, despite the extensive nature of the Bill with over 100 sections and covering various matters, it was not discussed in the Finance and Economy PSSC.
“If we look at this Bill, the powers of the Finance Ministry are very wide. There have been questions over the powers of the Finance Minister.
“The important thing to note is that when the Bill comes into effect, Finance Ministry officials will be enforcers. There are provisions for raids without warrants,” he said.
Radzi added that various matters need to be scrutinised before the Bill is tabled for the second reading.
“The government has taken an easy way out. We don’t understand why it is so enthusiastic to bring this Bill forward without discussions in the PSSC and with other stakeholders,” he added.
The Bill, aimed at strengthening transparency and integrity in public procurement, was tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said the second reading is scheduled for this parliamentary session, which concludes on Thursday (Aug 28).
The proposed law includes the setting up of a Government Procurement Appeal Tribunal to uphold integrity and fairness while maximising the benefits from the use of public resources.
The tribunal will also be supported by an independent mechanism of checks and balances. It will see the setting up of a board, which will approve all procurements.
