By Charlie Rudai - Free Malaysia TodayKOTA KINABALU: Local contractors at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) are crying foul after discovering that a high ranking officer at the UMS Maintenance and Development Office also operates a company carrying out development project contracts for the university.
The contractors are claiming unfair competition as well as conflicts of interest since the high ranking officer is also tasked with monitoring all project implementations at UMS.
“Clearly there is a conflict of interest here. How could someone who is responsible to decide on the project for UMS, also have his own company conducting projects for UMS at the same time?” asked the contractors who requested anonymity.
A check with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) showed that the officer is holding nearly 80 percent of the shares in the private consultant company, which the contractors said has a contract with UMS, as well.
The contractors urged the relevant authorities, including the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the CCM as well as the Higher Learning Ministry, to look into the matter.
“What concerns us is that under the 10th Malaysia Plan, UMS has been allocated with development projects worth about RM1 billion. Qualified local contractors like us might not have a fair chance in securing these projects,” they said.
“Is there any assurance that the individual will not take advantage of his decision-making powers to ensure his own company gets these projects?” they asked.
UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Kamaruzaman Ampon could not be contacted for comment.
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