THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would like to state that the investigation conducted on YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YTL Comms) involving the Education Ministry’s 1BestariNet service tender worth RM4.07 bil is transparent, fair and professional without interference from any party.
For information, this MACC investigation is based on complaints received involving several allegations of corruption, embezzlement and abuse of power that violate the provisions of the law which includes the MACC Act 2009.
The investigation into YTL is also based on information through the Government’s Governance, Procurement and Finance Investigation Committee Report (JKSTUPKK) which was recently received in August in addition to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Report.
Both reports revealed that there are several weaknesses, among them aspects of low broadband coverage, weaknesses in infrastructure technology, location of schools in addition to broadband access that is not comprehensive.
There is also public information as well as complaints from certain parties about this project that fails to provide adequate broadband access with the speed required to help the learning process in schools be more efficient.
Unsettled claims
Additionally, based on the information received, the1BestariNet service tender was originally planned for a period of 15 years involving a sum of RM4.07 bil but was shortened to seven years and six months without any reduction in terms of contract value.
Although the services provided did not achieve the goal, it is understood that there are still some demands made by the company to the relevant ministry which require a detailed investigation to confirm the matter.
Until now, investigation has found that the government has to bear the RM176 mil claimed by the company in question but information on the claim has not been confirmed by the government apart from the loss of telecommunication substation rental for a period of five years since 2019 which is estimated at RM10.8 mil.
Therefore, there is no issue as to why the investigation was carried out after the 1BestariNet project was terminated in 2019 because it is MACC’s responsibility to carry out investigations in a professional manner when receiving new information, particularly involving the allocation of government funds for national development.
Accordingly, MACC hopes that the public does not make any speculations regarding this issue because the issue of corruption, corruption and abuse of power should not be compromised. – Sept 6, 2024
Editor’s Note: YTL Comms parent company YTL Power International Bhd shed a further 17 sen or 4.61% at the close of today’s (Sept 6) trading with 49.43 million shares traded, thus valuing the company at RM29.1 bil.
The views expressed are solely of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
