Govt MP proposes independent oversight panel for mega projects

 

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim said the oversight panel would help to eradicate corruption, breach of trust and abuse of power.

PETALING JAYA: 

Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) has called on the finance ministry to establish an independent monitoring panel to oversee mega projects.

Hassan, who was debating the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (Amla) Amendment Bill 2024, said such a panel would play a crucial role in enhancing transparency and accountability in mega projects.

He said the panel would ensure public funds were properly managed and that this would ultimately lead to significant savings for the government.

“To eradicate corruption, breach of trust and abuse of power, I propose that the finance ministry establish an independent monitoring panel to oversee mega projects,” he said.

“The implementation of a transparent monitoring system will help curb wastage and mismanagement while instilling public confidence in how the government handles taxpayers’ money.

“We could start with the MRT3 project.”

Previously, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) had urged the government to establish an independent monitoring mechanism for the implementation of the MRT3 Circle Line project to prevent corruption.

TI-M president Muhammad Mohan called on the finance ministry and the special Cabinet committee on national governance (JKKTN) to meet with civil society and experts to appoint an independent panel to monitor the project via a proper integrity pact.

“For best results, consultation should commence before the tender documents are finalised and set in stone,” he had said.

In a written parliamentary reply earlier this month, law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said that weaknesses in governance identified in the MRT3 Circle Line project could be raised to the relevant governance committee at the ministerial level and subsequently forwarded to the national-level governance committee.

She said the national-level governance committee reported to JKKTN, which is chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The 51km MRT3 Circle Line will integrate with existing MRT, light rail transit, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd and monorail lines through 10 interchange and connecting stations.

Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the MRT3 Circle Line are expected to be completed in 2028 and 2030 respectively. - FMT