PM Anwar moots awarding projects to police cooperative in lieu of grants

The Star

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has signalled support for awarding projects directly to the Royal Malaysia Police Cooperative Bhd (RMPC) under the Home Ministry, as an alternative to providing financial grants.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, stated that such an initiative must be grounded in good governance principles.
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"We can start with several police headquarters (IPDs) first, we will observe it, and hand it over to the Home Ministry.
He said that proper work scopes must be followed and based on reasonable pricing.
"And because this isn't a private company, we can give them priority.
"This year I'll approve two or three projects to be carried out by the cooperative first," he said in his speech at the 90th Annual General Delegates Meeting (MAPT90) of RMPC on Friday (June 13).
He added that he will closely monitor those projects, and if they meet standards, the government may consider increasing the number of projects next year.
The government, said Anwar, will also consider the possibility of writing off old and irrecoverable debts under the RMPC.
However, Anwar said any such move must be carried out responsibly, with a focus on ensuring the cooperative's sustainable management.
"So I've read and considered it, and I don't think it's appropriate to write off everything.
"But I feel that based on the police's good performance and the improved management now, we will give a reasonable reduction," said Anwar, without explaining further.
"But more importantly, I'll make sure the cooperative reports to the Home Ministry and to me," he added.
"I'll monitor how we can work with the Finance Ministry.
I'll also instruct the Second Finance Minister to find alternative ways we can support this, to ensure the profits earned by the police cooperative benefit its members, because many want to be a part of it," he said.
"If one project is approved by the Finance Ministry, maybe over 100,000 members stand to gain; that's reasonable.
"Instead of us injecting direct financial grants, it's better to give them projects.
"They will carry out the work properly, at reasonable cost, and complete it quickly. Efficient. The rest, we'll discuss later," said Anwar
The Prime Minister also reminded those attendees, especially the top management, to adhere to good management and governance.
"Look at how many companies and cooperatives have failed previously.
"And how many government agencies that we are forced to keep shouldering them, as well as how many big companies in previous times.
"This is all because of poor management.
"Some people may forget, when they're given a high position, they tend to forget. They spend like it's their own parents' money," said Anwar.