Kuala lumpur: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar highlighted that weaknesses in the government's procurement process primarily result from non-compliance with established procedures. This issue persists despite the Ministry of Finance (MOF) introducing various forms of flexibility to facilitate procurement matters.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Azri emphasized that the irregularities identified are not solely due to system shortcomings but are mainly caused by members of Procurement Board Committees and officers who lack a thorough understanding of procurement procedures and their underlying principles. He stressed the importance of adherence to procurement procedures, noting that while the MOF has provided considerable flexibility, strict compliance is essential.
Shamsul Azri made these comments after the KSN Media Strike Challenge 2026 with media practitioners. Notable attendees included Prime Minister's Department (JPM) senior deputy secretary-general Datuk Abd Shukor Mahmood, deputy secretary-general (Finance and Development) Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak, and deputy secretary-general (Management) Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib. Also present were Ministry of Communications secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
The Chief Secretary pointed out that procurement process weaknesses often arise from insufficient understanding of procedures and internal shortcomings among officers regarding the principles and objectives of the regulations. He acknowledged that these weaknesses result from a combination of factors, including weak oversight and shortcomings in standard operating procedures (SOPs).
To address these issues, Shamsul Azri stated that the MOF would tighten procurement guidelines for all ministries and statutory bodies to prevent leakages. Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that procurement decisions involving the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and related agencies linked to corruption issues had been temporarily shelved until full compliance with procurement procedures is achieved.
Following this announcement, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin indicated that his ministry was seeking further information regarding the directive and reviewing measures to enhance procurement processes, strengthen governance, and prevent future leakages.