KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 – It is believed that there are elements of corruption and abuse of power in the tender exercise for the supply of equipment for gymnastics events for the 2017 SEA Games. According to a reliable source, an internal investigation found that the elements of corruption and abuse of power exist in the application and approval of the tender.
The source said the tender for the supply of gymnastics equipment for the SEA Games, which was closed in December last year, was cancelled and new tender was opened through the Malaysia Stadium Corporation a month later. He said whereas, the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) had already appointed the Malaysian Resources Corp Berhad (MRCB) to handle all infrastructures and facilities for the SEA Games.
The source said when a tender was opened, only the specifications of the required equipment would be stated, not the desired brands. He said the question now is why the services of MRCB were not utilised for the supply of equipment for gymnastics events when the company has already been appointed to handle all infrastructures and facilities for the SEA Games?
He also added that in this regard, it was believed that Bill of Quantities issued to tenderers has stated the desired brands, which could lead to non-compliance with tender conditions. The source believed that it was done to enable the company with vested interest to quote a lower price compared to other companies, so that it would be chosen.
“This matter must be viewed seriously and immediate action should be taken before other individuals began abusing their power to further their personal interests. Malaysia will host the 6th SEA Games this year and incidents of this kind are indeed worrying as it can tarnish the image of national sports industry,” he said. On Feb 9, the KBS stressed that news reports about the flaw on the tender process for the supply of gymnastics equipment for the 2017 SEA Games were inaccurate. — Bernama
