Anti-graft watchdog urges govt to set up independent panel to monitor MRT3 project

• The recommendation comes as the government embarks on the proposed third-phase of the project also known as the Circle Line. The estimated cost has been reduced to RM45 billion from RM68 billion but nevertheless remains one of the largest of its kind in the country.

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 19): Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) is calling on the Malaysian government to set up an independent expert panel to monitor the delivery of the Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) project.

Integrity pacts done in Malaysia are merely “a few extra documents” to be signed between the contracting agency and the contractors, the anti-graft watchdog said in a statement. The implementation is missing an independent monitoring mechanism, TI-M noted.

What is required is a tripartite agreement with a team of technical experts outside the government to monitor and publicly report on progress and quality of the project delivery, TI-M said. “This is particularly relevant for mega projects and projects which are of public interest.”

The recommendation comes as the government embarks on the proposed third-phase of the project also known as the Circle Line. The estimated cost has been reduced to RM45 billion from RM68 billion but nevertheless remains one of the largest of its kind in the country.

Integrity pact was developed in 1990s by the global chapter of Transparency International as a tool to help prevent corruption in public contracts. It has since been introduced in Malaysia via a circular by the Ministry of Finance in 2010 with various private and public entities signing the pacts since then.

"However, our track record has been far from satisfactory,” TI-M said, citing scandals involving government companies such as 1Malaysia Development Bhd and National Feedlot Corporation as well as troubles that plagued public projects including the procurement of littoral combat ships.

TI-M is now urging the Ministry of Finance and the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance to meet civil society and experts from professional bodies, business chambers and academia to set up the independent expert monitor to watch over the delivery of the MRT3 project.

"For best results, consultation should commence before the tender documents are finalised and set in stone," the watchdog said. “Using the Integrity Pact tool in proper form complete with external third party monitoring will surely go some way to make the right difference.”

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