Sepanggar Mp Demands Explanation For Direct Awarding Of Rm1 13b Road Project

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Sepanggar MP Azis Jamman has demanded an explanation from Putrajaya on the rationale behind awarding the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road project without an open tender process worth RM1.13 billion.
Speaking to reporters in Parliament today, Azis said his research showed that the deal does not fulfil any of the government regulations for a direct award: Urgency, single supply source, security or to assist bumiputera businesses.
Azis said the project went to Samling Resources Sdn Bhd, which he claims does not qualify as a bumiputera firm.
Moreover, he said a portion of the project, worth RM780 million, has been subcontracted to a subsidiary of Kimlun Corp Bhd, according to the firm's announcement on Bursa Malaysia.
"What happened to the balance? The Finance Ministry should explain," he said.
The Sarawak-Sabah Link Road project has three phases. The project referred to by Azis involves Phase 1 - the Lawas-Long Lopeng junction.
Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed in second quarter of 2025.
In a related matter, Azis urged Putrajaya to explain why government records showed that none of the direct awards during the recent emergency (Jan 12 to Aug 1) involved the Health Ministry and Sabah.
Azis (above) argued that Putrajaya had enforced emergency and suspended laws on grounds that it was necessary to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and yet none of the direct award procurements involved the Health Ministry.
"Sadder still, Sabah, once again, was left out of projects during the emergency," he said.
Azis said that late last year and early this year, Sabah was among the worst hit by Covid-19. Following this, he said Sabah faced problems securing vaccines for Covid-19.
"Everyone knows. Sabah didn't have enough hospital beds. We couldn't cope. We didn't have enough test kits and medical equipment. How is it possible that there were no direct awards for projects to help us?" he asked. - Mkini

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