KUALA LUMPUR: A corruption watchdog agrees with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) finding of no wrongdoing in the award of contract to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh's husband.
However, they urge politicians' family members and government-linked officers to inform the MACC if they receive government projects to ensure transparency.
Malaysia Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim said the MACC would have conducted a thorough examination before making such a statement.
He said MCW too has yet to find any wrongdoing in the awarding of the contract.
"According to the MACC Chief Commissioner, generally, if the contract awarded to a family member has nothing to do with the duties or position of the concerned party, it is not an offence.
"MCW is still searching for any laws or regulations that have been violated, considering Yeoh holds no interest in the Selangor state government," he said in a statement.
The MACC yesterday said there was no issue in the award of a contract to Asia Mobility Technologies Sdn Bhd - a firm linked to Yeoh's husband.
Tan Sri Azam Baki said this is because the Selangor Mobility initiative contract was not awarded to the company by Hannah's ministry but the Selangor government.
However, Jais noted that there was a perception of scepticism regarding the direct award of the contract, as Pakatan Harapan had previously pledged to avoid such practices in government projects to uphold integrity and transparency.
He acknowledged that direct negotiations do not violate the law, as government contracts can be awarded through such means when justified by national security, confidentiality, or emergency needs, such as during natural disasters.
MCW, Jais said, supported the call for family members of politicians and government-linked officials to inform the MACC if they obtain government projects.
"I believe that this is an appropriate and necessary step as it can enhance transparency and integrity in public administration.
"Moreover, this step will help reduce the risk of conflicts of interest and ensure that every transaction is conducted with full responsibility.
"Thus, MCW is confident that this measure can indirectly strengthen public trust in government and public institutions, especially in the practice of good governance," he added.