PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasir has called on the ministry at the heart of an MACC probe into a RM30 million contract supplying mass testing laboratory systems, to come forward and explain the matter.
Akmal (above) said if true, such abuse was a “major betrayal” and could cast doubts upon the country’s coronavirus testing preparations.
“If the claims are true, this is a major betrayal to the people of Malaysia at a time the country is facing the Covid-19 outbreak.
“It is clear the case of graft, however slim, will victimise us all,” he said in a statement today.
The PKR leader was referring to a report by The Malaysian Insight yesterday which said the MACC was investigating the manner the contract was awarded to the company.
Although the source in the original news report refused to divulge the ministry allegedly involved, the portal stated it understood it was the Health Ministry, “and that the system was to be used for testing Covid-19 infections”.
Akmal, who is Johor Baru MP, today pointed out that although the minister was not specifically named, Health Minister Dr Adham Baba (below) has issued a statement promising his ministry would cooperate on the probe.
“The minister concerned should come forward to explain if the contract is still continuing, if any politicians or political appointees were involved, how much losses were sustained by the Health Ministry and what is the effect of this on our efforts to tackle Covid-19?
“We ask MACC to conduct its investigation with integrity and transparency, and not to shield anyone,” said Akmal.
He added, “this revelation raises doubts over our (Covid-19) preparations, especially the need for the country to increase mass testing and as frontliners face a shortage of personal protective equipment.”
Meanwhile, Malaysiakini reported today the MACC has launched investigations into several contracts awarded on a direct-negotiation basis by the Health Ministry to procure equipment for Covid-19 operations nationwide.
Sources stated that the commission is focusing on the process of appointing contractors for every purchase made under the government's emergency procurement procedures and several companies have been called in to assist the probe.
However, the companies concerned were not identified. - Mkini
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