Ministry will not issue support documents for transportation matters
LOOSEN UP: Let's get down to business. The Transport Ministry is done with favoritism and fraudulent deals. The minister, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, has declared that no support letters from ministers or deputy ministers will be used to score tenders or solicit business from ministries anymore. This new policy, embracing good governance, was decided upon at a National Key Result Area (NKRA) meeting last week.
Speaking before a post-Cabinet meeting, Ong emphasized that all agencies under the ministry will implement suggestions made by the ad-hoc committee on good corporate governance—initiated to tackle the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) debacle. These recommendations aren't just for the Port Klang Authority (PKA) but are intended for every agency under the ministry.
"Since we first introduced these measures in PKA last December, among the various guidelines are that the board of directors should comprise independent directors, making up approximately one third of the total number," Ong explained.
And if that's not enough, he’s launching a whistle-blowing policy at the PKA today. This new policy aims to eliminate corrupt practices and improve the implementation of good governance. Ong went on to say that he’s examining the possibility of extending this policy to other agencies under the ministry.
“We want feedback from the public and the staff of the agencies themselves on the implementation of good governance,” he said.
Finally, Ong offered congratulations to Datuk Long See Wool on his promotion as the ministry's secretary-general, effective January 26 this year. Long, previously the deputy secretary-general (planning), takes over from Datuk Seri Zakaria Bahari who is retiring.
While specific recommendations made by the ad-hoc committee regarding the PKFZ issue were not detailed, common governance reforms in such cases typically focus on:
- Enhancing transparency and accountability in financial and operational matters.
- Fortifying internal controls and auditing processes.
- Ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements including audited financial statements.
- Improving corporate governance practices such as clear disclosure of directors and shareholders.
- Implementing stricter oversight mechanisms for future projects.
These changes are intended not only to rectify the PKFZ governance lapses but also to serve as a model for other agencies under the Transport Ministry, ensuring better management, transparency, and accountability across the board, and preventing future corruption.
KEEP IT 100: In other words, it's the end of the road for sweetheart deals in the Transport Ministry. The new policies are focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance to eliminate corruption and improve the efficiency of the department overall. Sounds like a breath of fresh air, right? After all, who wants to work for a shady ministry? Not this cat!
In light of recent developments, the Transport Ministry is implementing new policies to focus on finance and business matters more transparently and accountably. These measures aim to eliminate corruption and improve efficiency by enhancing internal controls, strengthening auditing processes, ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements, improving corporate governance practices, and implementing stricter oversight mechanisms.
