LANGKAWI: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) vice-president Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Ab Rahman was mere expressing his own view when he called for the government to reinstate the Federal Development Department (JPP) for the benefit of the party.
Prime Minister and Bersatu chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government could not make a decision based on the views raised by leaders during the party’s second annual general meeting (AGM), which concluded recently.
The present Pakatan Harapan administration, said Dr Mahathir, will not return to the practise adopted by the previous Barisan Nasional regime, which abused JPP and give away government contracts and tenders to unqualified quarters that subsequently burden the rakyat.
“That was his own view and he has the right to voice it. However, it does not mean that the party will follow his views.
“The current government will never resort to the practise of our predecessor, which gave (contracts of) projects to their friends.
“The PH government will only award contracts via open tender. Anyone with capabilities and resources can bid for the tender.
“Qualified bidders regardless of their political affiliation will get the tender for the project,” Mahathir, who is also Langkawi member of parliament, said after attended the Back to School programme at SMK Kedawang here this morning.
In his speech during the Bersatu’s AGM on Sunday, Abdul Rashid called for the functions of JPP to be reinstated for the benefit of the party’s division and branch chiefs nationwide.
Abdul Rashid, who is also the Federal Government’s Election Reform Committee chairman, said the leaders would be able to secure more projects, with the funds going back to their respective communities.
Dr Mahathir, when asked on the criticism from PH leaders against Abdul Rashid, said all leaders and quarters are entitled to their own opinions since Malaysia upholds democratic principle.
“We are living in a democratic country and we cannot simply shut the mouth of other or block the views of the people.
“There are times people will sing praises, there are also occasions they will criticise us. We cannot expect to be praised all the time,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Mahathir gave away assistance in the form of school equipment sponsored by Bank Muamalat to 226 pupils and students from 26 primary and secondary schools in the district.