PRESS STATEMENT
5 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) calls on the Dewan Negara to urgently refer the Government Procurement Bill 2025 to the Special Select Committee on Law Review (JPKSUU) for further review.
The Bill was rushed through the Dewan Rakyat on 28 August 2025, with only 16 days between the release of the “white paper” and parliamentary vote. This hasty process left little time for Members of Parliament, civil society, the business community, or the public to properly scrutinise a law that will govern procurement at both federal and state levels.
C4 Center has consistently raised grave concerns with the Bill, including:
- The excessive concentration of power in the hands of the Minister of Finance and Chief Ministers;
- An Appeal Tribunal that lacks independence, as its members are appointed by the Minister;
- Registrar powers without sufficient safeguards, weakening transparency and accountability;
- Wide investigative powers granted to Treasury officials, in some cases exceeding those of the police.
Without meaningful checks and balances, the Bill risks entrenching the very flaws and abuses that have led to Malaysia’s past procurement scandals, from the littoral combat ships to defective ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Dewan Negara now has a crucial responsibility to ensure proper oversight in light of wide ranging criticism of the bill from government MPs, opposition MPs, and civil society.
C4 Center urges Senators to exercise their constitutional role responsibly by referring the Bill to the JPKSUU. This review must ensure that the weaknesses of the Government Procurement Bill can be addressed. A clear plan for improvement and amendment must be established.
Only through comprehensive scrutiny and meaningful stakeholder engagement can Malaysia achieve a procurement regime that strengthens integrity, accountability, and public trust.
END OF STATEMENT
Issued by:
The Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4 Center)
For further enquiries, please contact:
c4center@gmail.com
019-216 6218
