RM8bil joy for bumiputra contractors

(THE STAR) – More than RM8bil worth of projects will be awarded to bumiputra companies as part of the MY Rapid Transit (MRT) project, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said several packages in the RM20bil project had been specially allocated to bumiputra contractors.

The packages are civil and infrastructure works, Tenaga Nasional Bhd power supply, centralised procurement, tunnel and underground works, and MRT systems, he said after chairing the fifth Bumiputra Agenda action council meeting yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Bumiputra Agenda Coordinating Unit (Teraju) in the Prime Minister’s Department said procurement strategies for the MRT project had been approved by the one-stop procurement committee headed by Najib, who is also finance minister.

Since its inception, Teraju has been working to increase bumiputra participation in the mega project by securing opportunities for bumiputra contractors under Class D, E, and F and ensure “economies of scale” in the centralised procurement.

Teraju said packages worth RM200mil had been set aside for contractors in Class D, E and F to undertake civil and infrastructure works.

Meanwhile, at a breaking of fast at the Foreign Ministry, Najib said the Government would ensure democracy flourished in the country and would not tolerate anarchy.

The Prime Minister said the Government would provide space for dissent but would not allow riots and disturbances to public order.

“We have always championed democracy from day one but will not tolerate anarchy and riots.

“We know the way forward is for us to allow room and space for dissent but at the same time to uphold the rules and laws,” he said.

Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and members of foreign missions, including ambassadors and high commissioners.

Najib said the Government would review many things, including censorship laws and ensure that there would be space for society to show dissent in an orderly manner.

He said events happening around the world showed that law and order could not be taken for granted.

“Who would have imagined the event (riots) in London, a cradle of democracy.

“If such a homogeneous society can break down, what more a diverse society like Malaysia which is very plural.

“I am not saying that everything is perfect in Malaysia … we are far from it but are working on it,” he said.