I refer to your report Samy: Blow the whistle on shoddy contractors .

I am not sure the works minister fully comprehends the ramifications of what he is suggesting. To start with, in every industry there are black sheep. What I would like to see is a situation where the contractors became whistleblowers instead and highlight to all and sundry what they are faced with. They include:

  • Delays - does the minister not realise that, very often, delays occur because contractors are paid late?

  • Variation Orders (VOs) - How many times have contractors been asked to do VOs because somewhere from the government's side, an omission or error was made which necessitated the contractor to go beyond his contractual obligation?

    • In this case, to have the VO certified (so that he can get paid), the contractor can sometimes wait for years, if not months. Why do we have this scenario? Because our (government's) homework is usually seldom done to the detail required and everything is rushed.

  • Completeness of information - Too often, contractors have to start despite not being given all the information (including correct or up-to-date drawings). Consequently, a pipe bursts somewhere, major electrical cables lie hidden somewhere (waiting to cause a blackout) or something else shows up which is not in the plans or drawings.

  • Getting the Certificate of Fitness - This is when our ' little lords' from the local authorities make their killing. No need to say more!

  • Clearance from the authorities - How many contractors have upped their cholesterol level due to lunches with these guys? Just watch the crowd at this year's coming 'Buka Puasa' events at the various hotels.

    • Never mind all that. How many contractors are left figuring out how to 'legalise' the rampant kickbacks they have to pay out? The higher the rank, the bigger the kick!

  • Award of contracts - Even the legendary Lester Piggot would lose in the jockeying (and all else that goes with it) that is involved just to get some work.

    • There is no need to go beyond these illustrations. If contractors were to become whistleblowers, it will be interesting to see what dance the various affected people will break into. But being contractors, their place is to shut up and bear with it. Let's see how long this situation remains.

    In the meantime, the minister can continue to whistle and the contractors will duly dance.

    Malaysia Boleh!