Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) today raised the alarm over several new, huge government development projects, calling the contract awarding practices dubious.

Its president Paul Low in a statement highlighted worries over several projects that were directly awarded, despite promises of open or restricted tenders.

Among them is the Sungai Besi air base redevelopment project, which has been in the spotlight for alleged cronyism involving parties close to the prime minister's family.

transparency international malaysia corruption perception index 2008 pc 230908 paul low Another cause for concern was the construction  of the Malaysian External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) headquarters , said Low ( right ).

The RM14 billion project has provoked some controversy as it was awarded after direct negotiations with allegedly politically-linked company Naza TTDI.

Low also questioned the development of 3,000 acres   in the Sungei Buloh hub of the Klang Valley that was not tendered out.

A joint-venture by the government and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), the project is believed to have been given to allegedly debt-ridden Malaysia Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).

"Cost overruns and defective performances persist, with apparently no one, either the contractors or those awarding and monitoring the projects, being taken to task.

"Lack of transparency and good governance festers corruption and puts public funds to waste," Low said.

He added that while his organisation lauded the government's intention to implement TI's Integrity Pacts, it would not suffice unless the government walked the talk on transparency, governance and integrity.

The pacts provide for privately enforceable contractual sanctions, such as termination of contracts, forfeiture of bid and performance bonds, compensation for damages to the authority and competitors, as well as blacklisting for corrupt practices and anti-competitive behaviour.