Part of a ceiling at the court complex along Jalan Duta in Kuala Lumpur collapsed recently, the second such incident since it was opened three years ago.
Such incidents do not surprise or shock the public anymore as many cynically and contemptuously consider them as a normal occurrence in Malaysia, given the depraved work management ethics and the lack of professional skills among the workers.
What it boils down to is the fact that ultimately political considerations have the final say into any public building project, not the pragmatic professionalism or skills needed.
The can of worms was opened with the exposure of a scandal involving a Chinese primary school in Muar in 2006 that a claim for RM30,000 was submitted when the value of work done was only RM3,000.
In July last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak identified six National Key Result Areas (NKRA), including curbing corruption. The government also decided have open tenders for government projects and procurements.
The New Economic Model (NEM) unveiled in March this year also promotes the spirits of creativity and innovation in the economy. Meanwhile, the new affirmative action policy is based on four principles, namely being market-friendly, merit-based, transparent and needs-based. More competitive elements will also be adopted.
However, the open tender commitment, the so-called reform and the NKRA have not been convincing.
The collapse of the roof of the Terengganu Gong Badak Stadium last year that cost RM290 million to build showed that the government has seriously neglected the issue of safety. Who can guarantee that there would be no leakage if we build a nuclear power plant?
The DAP also revealed that the Shah Alam Hospital project that cost RM480 million was actually overpriced and the project was directly given to the contractor.
Many projects were directly allocated to the contractors, including the new national palace, in which its cost has increased from RM400 million to RM800 million.
Other direct awards include the sport-betting licence, the overseas trade exhibition centre, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Sungai Besi and many privatisation projects. Such a practice has violated the government's commitment to promote and practise transparency.
Will the master development plan for the Pudu Prison site that worth hundreds of millions ringgit be transparent and well-managed enough? Are those upcoming major construction projects in Kuala Lumpur really cost-effective?
In addition to the awarding of government projects, the appointment of officials in government departments is also done with political considerations, rather than capability and professionalism.
For example, the newly form Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) carries an important task as its main responsibility is to enhance the public transport system, develop a national land transport plan and public transport blueprint. The commission will also replace the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board, the Department of Railways and the Tourism Commissioner.
Since the commission is very important, a professional who is an expert in public transport, should be appointed as its chairman. Instead, a former minister was made the commission head.
The government has made several commitments to reform but it still lacks the political will to do any thing credible so far. Hence, ceilings will continue to fall, buildings continue to collapse, and traffic chaos will not disappear but may get worse.
By LIM SUE GOAN
Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE
Sin Chew Daily
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