The controversial contract for security labels for imported alcoholic beverages was won through an open tender process, winning firm Lembah Sari Sdn Bhd said.

It said that Lembah Sari, reportedly owned by Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein’s brother, won the RM77 million deal from the Customs Department due to its expertise.

"As a company with close to 10 years of experience and expertise in the provision of total solutions for government excise/tax revenue protection, brand protection and security solutions and products, it provides services to design, print, store, supply and distribute security products including banderols (tax stamps).

"The company also supplies unique authentication devices and necessary training required," it said in a statement.

It added that the contract covers a period of five years from 2014 to 2019.

On Wednesday, DAP’s Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua urged Putrajaya to explain why the award was given to a company owned by Haris Onn Hussein, who is Hishammuddin’s brother.

        

"The government must explain why a company belonging to the relative of a minister is given a contract through direct negotiation," Pua told a press conference in the Parliament lobby.

In response, Hishammuddin (above) said that the award has nothing to do with him as the Customs Department is not under his purview.

He also said that he will not protect his brother if it is found that there were irregularities in the award of the contract.

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