TI-M urges rethink of public-private partnerships, GLCs
Putrajaya has been called on to reconsider public-private partnerships (PPP) and the existence of GLCs to curb corruption.
Speaking at a conference in Kuala Lumpur today, Transparency International Malaysia president Akhbar Satar pointed out that it is unreasonable for the government to fund PPP projects and bear the losses if these fail.
“The capital for PPP projects are given by the government...
Putrajaya has been called on to reconsider public-private partnerships (PPP) and the existence of GLCs to curb corruption.
Speaking at a conference in Kuala Lumpur today, Transparency International Malaysia president Akhbar Satar pointed out that it is unreasonable for the government to both fund PPP projects and bear any possible losses.
“The capital for PPP projects are given by the government. Meaning to say the government awards the contract to a company, and finances the projects," he said.
"What happens when a project makes a loss? The Finance Ministry has to pay. I think the government should relook the PPP system.
"How can capital be given by the government, and the Finance Ministry bear the losses? At least we have to share the capital (with private companies)."
Akhbar also suggested that Putrajaya should beef up its integrity by putting a stop to money politics, and make its annual budget announcements more accurate by factoring in the cost of megaprojects.
'Shut down GLCs'
The TI-M president also stressed that the existence of GLCs and other state-owned companies should be reconsidered, claiming that such companies are prone to corruption.
“I think GLCs and state-owned enterprises should be closed. How can the government be involved in business?
"The government should take care of us first. The most important thing is that the bosses of the GLCs all are corrupt," he claimed during his speech at the conference.
Akhbar later elaborated on his remarks, saying that the government should put the interests of the people first.
"They should do more on social welfare in terms of healthcare or education,” he told reporters after the conference.
When asked if it is practical to close down GLCs like Tenaga Nasional Malaysia (TNB) or Petronas, he conceded that one or two of such companies can be maintained.
However, he later approached reporters to clarify that he meant GLCs should be fully privatised – not closed – so that the government can concentrate on regulation.
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The most important thing is that the bosses of the GLCs all are corrupt, Strong statement but many of us will agree.
Glcs like prasarana cater only to their own pocket’s needs but not to the public‘ s needs!
Fantastic idea but there’s no way TDM and career politicians like Azmin would agree to this. Their livelihood and their supporters depend on PPP and GLCs. If TDM can do that, then many would believe he’s a reformed man and leave a solid legacy not only in Malaysia but the world. If TDM can to do that, the gates of hell in Malaysia will be closed forever. But I don’t think so lah....TDM still need the third national car, still heads Khazanah, still controls Petronas and his buddy Daim has friends and relatives replacing all the GLC heads. What they are taking over to close them down? Wishful thinking...
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