Open tender, cronies, and efficent government services

I like to blog on 2 items today.

Firstly, in the light of the many abuses mentioned in the Auditor General’s Report, as highlighted by Malaysiakini some time back, I would strongly agree with Datuk Shahrir Samad’s call that Government projects should be awarded through open tenders instead of direct negotiations. (NST today)

In the sixties, most government projects were carried out by tender and abuses and corrupt practices were minimal as compared to the present days.

Government funds are people’s money; money that you and I generate through hard work. So it should be used wisely and carefully.

Sharir was qouted to say ” Every time there is a direct negotiation or turnkey project, all sorts of problems will come up,”

Direct negotiation not only increases the chance of abuse and corrupt practices, it also increases cost and may even result in inferior quality work. In the long run, it creates a class of cronies who has only self interest in mind.

Since this suggestion came from a Parliamentary committee (Public Accounts Committee), the executive branch should heed the call and take steps to implement direct tender system and let the companies that can provide the best price for best quality work/design get the jobs.

Speaking of the executive branch, I have a very pleasant surprise when I took half a day off yesterday afternoon to go to Damansara to renew my passport which is due to expire.

It took me only 1 hour to have the whole thing done, submitting form, payment and before I knew it, my passport was ready. Besides, the staff were friendly and courteous.. The people I spoke to all have high praise of the staff. Kudos to the staff and officers there.

This shows that civil servants can be efficient and courteous if they are given good training and direction. I hope all the other departments can emulate the immigration service.