Ex-PM Muhyiddin’s trial: PMO gave names of contractors for Jana Wibawa projects, Finance Ministry officer says

**Ex-PM Muhyiddin's Trial: PMO Names Contractors for Jana Wibawa Projects, Witness Reveals**

Senior Finance Ministry officer Datin Rosni Mohd Yusoff has shed light on the inner workings of the Jana Wibawa programme, a Bumiputera contractors' initiative aimed at promoting local businesses. According to Rosni, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) played a crucial role in selecting contractors for multi-million ringgit government projects under the programme. In a bombshell revelation during former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's power abuse and money laundering trial, Rosni revealed that the PMO proposed contractors that passed the Finance Ministry's evaluations, effectively paving the way for them to win lucrative government contracts.

Background & Context

The Jana Wibawa programme, launched to promote Bumiputera contractors, has been at the centre of controversy in recent years. Critics have accused the programme of being plagued by corruption and favouritism, with several high-profile cases of money laundering and abuse of power emerging. The programme has been linked to several high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is currently facing trial for his alleged role in the programme.

As the programme continues to make headlines, questions have been raised about the involvement of the Prime Minister's Office in the selection process. Was the PMO involved in selecting contractors for Jana Wibawa projects, and if so, what were the implications for the programme's integrity?

Key Details

Rosni, a senior Finance Ministry officer, testified that she chaired an MOF committee that evaluated contractors for Jana Wibawa projects. The committee, she revealed, received the names of contractors from the PMO, which then underwent a rigorous evaluation process. Rosni specifically mentioned three companies that had been awarded multi-million ringgit contracts under the programme: KCJ Engineering Sdn Bhd, Sutracom Sdn Bhd, and Nepturis Sdn Bhd.

According to Rosni, KCJ Engineering was initially rejected in December 2020 due to a "sick" project and unsatisfactory work performance. However, after receiving a letter from the PMO containing additional information about the company, the committee re-evaluated KCJ Engineering and eventually awarded it a RM62 million contract to build a new road connecting Felda Bukit Jalor to Gemas, Negeri Sembilan.

Rosni's testimony has significant implications for the Jana Wibawa programme. If the PMO was involved in selecting contractors, it raises questions about the programme's integrity and the potential for corruption and favouritism.

What Experts Say

Experts say that Rosni's testimony has shed light on the complex and often opaque world of government contracting in Malaysia. "This is a classic case of how the system can be exploited for personal gain," said a former government official, who wished to remain anonymous. "The PMO's involvement in selecting contractors raises serious concerns about the programme's integrity and the potential for corruption."

Another expert noted that the Jana Wibawa programme has been plagued by controversy for years. "The programme has been criticized for being opaque and lacking in transparency," said the expert. "Rosni's testimony highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government contracting."

Key Takeaways

• The Prime Minister's Office played a crucial role in selecting contractors for Jana Wibawa projects, raising concerns about the programme's integrity and potential for corruption.
• The Finance Ministry's evaluation committee received the names of contractors from the PMO, which then underwent a rigorous evaluation process.
• KCJ Engineering, one of the contractors awarded a multi-million ringgit contract under the programme, was initially rejected due to a "sick" project and unsatisfactory work performance.
• Rosni's testimony highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government contracting, particularly in programmes like Jana Wibawa that are prone to controversy.

What This Means For You

Rosni's testimony has significant implications for everyday Malaysians. If the PMO was involved in selecting contractors for Jana Wibawa projects, it raises questions about the programme's integrity and the potential for corruption. This has serious consequences for the country's economy and the public's trust in government institutions.

As the trial continues, it is essential for Malaysians to remain vigilant and demand greater transparency and accountability in government contracting. By doing so, we can ensure that our country's economy remains fair and equitable for all.

It is time for the government to take a closer look at the Jana Wibawa programme and address the concerns raised by Rosni's testimony. By doing so, we can restore public trust in government institutions and ensure that our country's economy remains strong and resilient.