Bribery and corruption have long existed in the construction industry, where it has become an “unwritten rule” to offer under-the-table money to secure projects.
The bribe amount, contractors said, could run into the millions of ringgit for one project.
“It’s hard to be in the business if you are not willing to fork out money to give them (government officials),” said a contractor in the Klang Valley.
The contractor, who has been in the business for more than 15 years, said it involved a certain level of “cooperation” between contractors and government officials to coordinate the numerous activities which make up the construction process.
“It (bribery) has become a norm, a culture.
If we don’t give, we will lose out in the business.
We must remember that those in the government have the power, and if things don’t go their way, we will be in trouble.
“But, if you have the connection and you have settled with the officials, everything will be smooth from beginning to end.
Our project and payments will be approved in a jiffy, which would otherwise take months to get approval,” he said.
The contractor said “incentives” were usually given in instalments to a top official, in some cases, the secretary-general of the ministry involved.
It is understood that the sum would be divided among those below the official.
“We prefer dealing with high ranking officials as there is a higher chance of getting things done fast. “The transactions will be done in cash to avoid having any record of payment. It’s a win-win situation.
We don’t want to get into any trouble and risk losing to our competitors.”
Another contractor said payments differ based on the projects.
For a small project, an incentive of between five and 10 per cent would be given, while for big projects, a smaller percentage.
“For example, if the project cost RM200 million, three per cent of it will be given to the official, and this translates to RM6 million.
It’s only when contractors are pressured to give more money that we hear about cases of graft as unsatisfied contractors will speak up.
“But, most of the time, we oblige because we don’t want any trouble.
If we lodge reports and make noise, we will be the ones suffering at the end of the day.
” Former Master Builders Association of Malaysia president, Matthew Tee, said the government should strengthen the process of securing a project, ensuring the process was clear-cut and transparent.
“Everyone must adhere to the process and no special approval must be given.
“If this is done in a transparent manner, it will leave no room for corruption.
We must stick to the standard operating procedures,” he said.
Original article from http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/02/209701/bribery-unwritten-rule-secure-projects
