Commission mooted to beef up proposed economic sabotage bill

The Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) has suggested a special commission be set up to support the proposed economic sabotage bill.

MTEM chief executive officer Ahmad Yazid Othman said the commission could monitor and investigate activities perceived as sabotaging the economy, and receive reports filed by the public.

The bill proposal was raised by National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) head Abu Kassim Mohamed at the recent Congress on the Future of Bumiputera and the Nation 2018.

It is to prevent profiteering from the sale of approved permits (APs) and contracts.

"The special commission is a crucial component to regulate the compliance of the act. It will strengthen the cooperation among the public sectors.

"It will study many aspects surrounding economic sabotage and we need to clearly define what are "Alibaba contracts" and determine the difference between true partnerships and 'Alibaba' arrangements," he said.

Ahmad Yazid was speaking to a press conference on the proposed economic sabotage act at the MTEM office at Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur.

He said that the act is needed at this time and will be one of the important components to rescue and develop the country's economy.

"This is not only for the bumiputera, but for everyone. The socio-economy will be protected … and will ensure success, not limited to the bumiputera agenda, but also for the Malaysian education and Indian policy blueprints (among others).

"It will also save from the government incurring losses due to the manipulation by certain quarters."

Ahmad Yazid added that the suggestions to form the special commission as well as to drive the economy for bumiputera have been forwarded to Abu Kassim and MTEM will let him study the suggestions.

During the congress on Saturday, Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali said any contract awarded by the government should not be transferred or sold to other parties as it is against the government contract policies. - Mkini