(Kuching, 27th) Politicians do not have the power to approve projects without going through government procurement procedures, but whenever issues of public funds leakage arise, they often become the target of blame.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Integrity and Governance), Dato' Zuan Da Zaiya, pointed out that the responsibility for preventing the loss of public funds actually lies with civil servants and government-linked companies (GLCs) involved in the procurement process.
He said: “Politicians cannot approve any project without procurement procedures. Therefore, all stakeholders, whether civil servants, GLCs, or others involved in procurement, must practice best practices.
“Best practices mean upholding the rule of law, transparency, and accountability to avoid abuse and fraud. In fact, all the sound principles of developed countries must be applied in this state.”
Zuan Da made these remarks today while speaking at the 'Regional Public Procurement Integrity Seminar: The Key to Economic Growth', co-hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Sarawak.
He said Sarawak has multiple major public procurement projects, including the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway, the acquisition of AmBank, the establishment of a state-owned airline (AirBorneo), preparations for the 2027 Southeast Asian Games, as well as the construction of various alternative and renewable energy plants.
However, he warned that if the sustainability of these development projects cannot be ensured through good governance and adequate accountability, all achievements could be lost.
Zuan Da emphasized that holding this seminar fits perfectly with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari’s vision of using procurement procedures as an important mechanism to curb fund leakage, corruption, and abuse of power.
He said: “Officers directly involved in procurement are the key to ensuring public funds are used appropriately.
“If fund leakage happens, and the government has not received the correct advice, then anti-corruption efforts will not succeed.”
He added that this seminar is also attended by representatives from Indonesia and the Philippines.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Integrity and Governance), Dato' Zuan Da Zaiya, pointed out that the responsibility for preventing the loss of public funds actually lies with civil servants and government-linked companies (GLCs) involved in the procurement process.
He said: “Politicians cannot approve any project without procurement procedures. Therefore, all stakeholders, whether civil servants, GLCs, or others involved in procurement, must practice best practices.
“Best practices mean upholding the rule of law, transparency, and accountability to avoid abuse and fraud. In fact, all the sound principles of developed countries must be applied in this state.”
Zuan Da made these remarks today while speaking at the 'Regional Public Procurement Integrity Seminar: The Key to Economic Growth', co-hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Sarawak.
He said Sarawak has multiple major public procurement projects, including the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway, the acquisition of AmBank, the establishment of a state-owned airline (AirBorneo), preparations for the 2027 Southeast Asian Games, as well as the construction of various alternative and renewable energy plants.
However, he warned that if the sustainability of these development projects cannot be ensured through good governance and adequate accountability, all achievements could be lost.
Zuan Da emphasized that holding this seminar fits perfectly with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari’s vision of using procurement procedures as an important mechanism to curb fund leakage, corruption, and abuse of power.
He said: “Officers directly involved in procurement are the key to ensuring public funds are used appropriately.
“If fund leakage happens, and the government has not received the correct advice, then anti-corruption efforts will not succeed.”
He added that this seminar is also attended by representatives from Indonesia and the Philippines.