Regional_Conference_RD_in_Malaysia_and_Asia_Pacific_27_28_Oct_Programme.pdf
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IDEAS Regional Conference on Rare Diseases in Malaysia & the Asia Pacific, 27th & 28th October 2020
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) will be hosting a regional conference on rare diseases in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific. IDEAS is a non-profit research institute dedicated to improving understanding and promoting solutions to public policy challenges in Malaysia. Our work is focused on three themes: advancing a competitive economy, ensuring trust in institutions, and promoting an inclusive Malaysia.
We would like to invite you to join the event. The details of the event are as follows:
Date: 27 and 28 October 2020
Time: 9.30 - 11.30 am (MYT/ GMT+8)
Venue: Virtual Conference via Zoom
The purpose of this conference is to facilitate a regional discussion on the management of rare diseases in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific by sharing best practices from across the region. This two-day conference will consist of 100-minute virtual sessions each day, exploring the discussion on innovati
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) will be hosting a regional conference on rare diseases in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific. IDEAS is a non-profit research institute dedicated to improving understanding and promoting solutions to public policy challenges in Malaysia. Our work is focused on three themes: advancing a competitive economy, ensuring trust in institutions, and promoting an inclusive Malaysia.
We would like to invite you to join the event. The details of the event are as follows:
Date: 27 and 28 October 2020
Time: 9.30 - 11.30 am (MYT/ GMT+8)
Venue: Virtual Conference via Zoom
The purpose of this conference is to facilitate a regional discussion on the management of rare diseases in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific by sharing best practices from across the region. This two-day conference will consist of 100-minute virtual sessions each day, exploring the discussion on innovati
MEDIA STATEMENT
For immediate release
IDEAS urges any dealmaking between Members of Parliament to be done with full transparency and the people’s interests in mind
1.) IDEAS welcomes the decision not to enter a state of Emergency.
2.) IDEAS supports a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) conditional upon three terms.
3.) Politicians on all sides must reach a fully transparent democratic compromise in the interests of the people.
4.) Any compromise reached between Members of Parliament must be oriented towards policy, and not patronage interests.
5.) The CSA must not involve any compromise on the criminal charges currently faced by some MPs.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 October 2020: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) lauds the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, after a special meeting with the Malay Rulers, to not grant the Prime Minister’s request to invoke Article 150 of the Federal Constitution, which declares a state of Emergency for Malaysia. His Majesty's decision comes at a time when Malaysia is at a critical juncture of battling against the continued rise of COVID-19 cases and an upcoming Parliamentary sitting where Budget 2021 will be tabled.
Commenting on these developments, IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh says, “Malaysia’s democratic institutions must always be upheld, and any attempt to usurp Parliamentary democracy must be avoided. Now that it is certain an Emergency will not be proclaimed, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House must put aside their differences and prioritise the health and wellbeing of all Malaysians. In order for this to happen, a compromise must be struck between both Government and Opposition MPs in order for Budget 2021 to be passed on 6 November next Friday, which will undoubtedly involve some form of dealmaking. Several reputable CSOs and MPs have suggested that a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) is needed to seal this compromise. IDEAS welcomes a CSA but conditional upon and only if the terms spelt out below are fulfilled. If executed well, the CSA can potentially be a tool for institutional reforms."
First, IDEAS urges that any negotiations towards achieving this compromise must first and foremost be transparent, as the public deserves to know the intentions of their elected representatives. Second, these negotiations must be policy-oriented in nature, and not involve the promise of patronage-oriented distribution of positions or other lucrative arrangements. Third, they must not involve any compromise on the criminal charges currently faced by some MPs.
The current surge in COVID-19 infections means that all MPs and government officials must remain focused on the health and economic recovery of the nation. This warrants political and institutional stability, which requires a setting aside of differences until the situation eases.
However, if a general election becomes necessary at a time of COVID-19 as a last resort, then the Election Commission should prepare accordingly to pursue it as the only democratic solution to the current political impasse. We must learn the lessons from the Sabah State Elections, and the Election Commission should be provided with all necessary resources to prepare for that eventuality. Other countries have shown good examples in which general elections can be carried out safely during a pandemic. A complete ban on physical campaigning may have to be considered, which all political parties would need to comply with equally. This would also significantly reduce the costs of a general election.
Until then, all MPs must ensure transparency and accountability in their cooperation and prioritise the passing of Budget 2021. Malaysia desperately needs all of its resources to be concentrated towards rebuilding the country’s economic and social wellbeing. Yeoh said, "The country is truly at a crossroads and the country's leaders have this one opportunity to choose the right path to do the right thing. We hope that they will demonstrate leadership in a time of crisis, today."
-END-
For immediate release
IDEAS urges any dealmaking between Members of Parliament to be done with full transparency and the people’s interests in mind
1.) IDEAS welcomes the decision not to enter a state of Emergency.
2.) IDEAS supports a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) conditional upon three terms.
3.) Politicians on all sides must reach a fully transparent democratic compromise in the interests of the people.
4.) Any compromise reached between Members of Parliament must be oriented towards policy, and not patronage interests.
5.) The CSA must not involve any compromise on the criminal charges currently faced by some MPs.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 October 2020: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) lauds the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, after a special meeting with the Malay Rulers, to not grant the Prime Minister’s request to invoke Article 150 of the Federal Constitution, which declares a state of Emergency for Malaysia. His Majesty's decision comes at a time when Malaysia is at a critical juncture of battling against the continued rise of COVID-19 cases and an upcoming Parliamentary sitting where Budget 2021 will be tabled.
Commenting on these developments, IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh says, “Malaysia’s democratic institutions must always be upheld, and any attempt to usurp Parliamentary democracy must be avoided. Now that it is certain an Emergency will not be proclaimed, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House must put aside their differences and prioritise the health and wellbeing of all Malaysians. In order for this to happen, a compromise must be struck between both Government and Opposition MPs in order for Budget 2021 to be passed on 6 November next Friday, which will undoubtedly involve some form of dealmaking. Several reputable CSOs and MPs have suggested that a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) is needed to seal this compromise. IDEAS welcomes a CSA but conditional upon and only if the terms spelt out below are fulfilled. If executed well, the CSA can potentially be a tool for institutional reforms."
First, IDEAS urges that any negotiations towards achieving this compromise must first and foremost be transparent, as the public deserves to know the intentions of their elected representatives. Second, these negotiations must be policy-oriented in nature, and not involve the promise of patronage-oriented distribution of positions or other lucrative arrangements. Third, they must not involve any compromise on the criminal charges currently faced by some MPs.
The current surge in COVID-19 infections means that all MPs and government officials must remain focused on the health and economic recovery of the nation. This warrants political and institutional stability, which requires a setting aside of differences until the situation eases.
However, if a general election becomes necessary at a time of COVID-19 as a last resort, then the Election Commission should prepare accordingly to pursue it as the only democratic solution to the current political impasse. We must learn the lessons from the Sabah State Elections, and the Election Commission should be provided with all necessary resources to prepare for that eventuality. Other countries have shown good examples in which general elections can be carried out safely during a pandemic. A complete ban on physical campaigning may have to be considered, which all political parties would need to comply with equally. This would also significantly reduce the costs of a general election.
Until then, all MPs must ensure transparency and accountability in their cooperation and prioritise the passing of Budget 2021. Malaysia desperately needs all of its resources to be concentrated towards rebuilding the country’s economic and social wellbeing. Yeoh said, "The country is truly at a crossroads and the country's leaders have this one opportunity to choose the right path to do the right thing. We hope that they will demonstrate leadership in a time of crisis, today."
-END-
KENYATAAN MEDIA
Untuk sebaran segera
IDEAS menggesa sebarang persetujuan antara Ahli Parlimen dilakukan dengan penuh ketelusan dan mengambil kira kepentingan rakyat
1.) IDEAS mengalu-alukan keputusan untuk tidak melaksanakan perintah darurat.
2.) IDEAS menyokong Persetujuan Keyakinan dan Pembekalan (Confidence and Supply Agreement, CSA) bersyarat dengan tiga syarat yang harus dipatuhi.
3.) Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari kedua-dua belah pihak harus mencapai kompromi yang telus dan demokratik demi kepentingan rakyat.
4.) Sebarang kompromi yang dicapai antara Ahli-ahli Parlimen harus berorientasikan polisi, bukannya melindungi kepentingan peribadi.
5.) CSA tidak boleh melibatkan sebarang kompromi berkenaan tuduhan jenayah yang sedang dihadapi oleh beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 Oktober 2020: Institut Demokrasi dan Hal Ehwal Ekonomi (IDEAS) memuji keputusan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, selepas satu mesyuarat khas bersama Raja-raja Melayu, untuk tidak memperkenankan cadangan Perdana Menteri menggunapakai Perkara 150 Perlembagaan Persekutuan, iaitu mengisytiharkan satu perintah Darurat di Malaysia. Keputusan Baginda tiba ketika Malaysia sedang berada di satu persimpangan penting untuk melawan peningkatan kes COVID-19 dan juga satu persidangan Parlimen yang Belanjawan 2021 akan dibentangkan.
Mengulas perkembangan ini, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif IDEAS, Tricia Yeoh berkata, “Institusi demokrasi Malaysia harus sentiasa didokong, dan sebarang percubaan untuk meragut demokrasi berparlimen ini mesti dielakkan. Keputusan untuk tidak melaksanakan Darurat bermakna Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari kedua-dua belah pihak di Dewan Rakyat perlu mengenepikan perbezaan mereka dan memberi keutamaan kepada kesihatan dan kesejahteraan semua rakyat Malaysia. Demi menjadikannya satu realiti, satu kompromi mesti dicapai antara Ahli-ahli Parlimen kerajaan dan juga pembangkang supaya Belanjawan 2021 dapat diluluskan pada Jumaat, 6 November akan datang, yang tidak dinafikan akan melibatkan beberapa bentuk persetujuan. Beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen dan organisasi masyarakat sivil (CSO) yang berwibawa telah memberi cadangan bahawa satu Persetujuan Keyakinan dan Pembekalan (CSA) diperlukan untuk memeterai kompromi ini. IDEAS mengalu-alukan CSA ini secara bersyarat, hanya jika terma-terma yang akan dinyatakan ini dipenuhi. Jika dilaksanakan dengan baik, CSA ini berpotensi menjadi alat untuk penambahbaikan institusi.”
Pertama, IDEAS menggesa agar sebarang perundingan ke arah kompromi ini dilakukan dengan telus kerana rakyat Malaysia berhak untuk mengetahui maksud dan tujuan sebarang tindakan wakil rakyat yang mereka pilih. Kedua, perundingan ini harus berorientasikan polisi, dan bukan melibatkan sebarang janji berorientasikan pernaungan politik, pengagihan jawatan dan apa-apa rundingan yang menguntungkan. Ketiga, proses perundingan ini tidak boleh melibatkan apa-apa kompromi terhadap tuduhan-tuduhan jenayah yang sedang dihadapi oleh beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen.
Peningkatan jangkitan COVID-19 buat masa ini mewajibkan semua Ahli Parlimen dan pegawai kerajaan kekal fokus kepada pemulihan kesihatan dan ekonomi negara. Hal ini mewajarkan kestabilan politik dan institusi serta segala perbezaan diketepikan sehingga situasi kembali pulih.
Namun, andai PRU menjadi satu kemestian pada waktu COVID-19 sebagai satu jalan terakhir, maka Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya harus bersedia untuk menjalankannya sebagai satu-satunya penyelesaian demokratik kepada kebuntuan politik semasa. Kita harus mengambil iktibar daripada PRN Sabah, dan SPR perlu dibekalkan dengan segala sumber yang diperlukan untuk bersedia ke arah kebarangkalian tersebut. Beberapa negara lain telah menunjukkan contoh yang baik bagaimana pilihan raya boleh dijalankan dengan selamat ketika wabak melanda. Satu larangan menyeluruh ke atas proses berkempen secara fizikal perlu dipertimbangkan dan semua parti politik perlu mematuhinya secara saksama. Hal ini juga akan mengurangkan kos mengadakan pilihan raya.
Untuk sebaran segera
IDEAS menggesa sebarang persetujuan antara Ahli Parlimen dilakukan dengan penuh ketelusan dan mengambil kira kepentingan rakyat
1.) IDEAS mengalu-alukan keputusan untuk tidak melaksanakan perintah darurat.
2.) IDEAS menyokong Persetujuan Keyakinan dan Pembekalan (Confidence and Supply Agreement, CSA) bersyarat dengan tiga syarat yang harus dipatuhi.
3.) Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari kedua-dua belah pihak harus mencapai kompromi yang telus dan demokratik demi kepentingan rakyat.
4.) Sebarang kompromi yang dicapai antara Ahli-ahli Parlimen harus berorientasikan polisi, bukannya melindungi kepentingan peribadi.
5.) CSA tidak boleh melibatkan sebarang kompromi berkenaan tuduhan jenayah yang sedang dihadapi oleh beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 Oktober 2020: Institut Demokrasi dan Hal Ehwal Ekonomi (IDEAS) memuji keputusan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, selepas satu mesyuarat khas bersama Raja-raja Melayu, untuk tidak memperkenankan cadangan Perdana Menteri menggunapakai Perkara 150 Perlembagaan Persekutuan, iaitu mengisytiharkan satu perintah Darurat di Malaysia. Keputusan Baginda tiba ketika Malaysia sedang berada di satu persimpangan penting untuk melawan peningkatan kes COVID-19 dan juga satu persidangan Parlimen yang Belanjawan 2021 akan dibentangkan.
Mengulas perkembangan ini, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif IDEAS, Tricia Yeoh berkata, “Institusi demokrasi Malaysia harus sentiasa didokong, dan sebarang percubaan untuk meragut demokrasi berparlimen ini mesti dielakkan. Keputusan untuk tidak melaksanakan Darurat bermakna Ahli-ahli Parlimen dari kedua-dua belah pihak di Dewan Rakyat perlu mengenepikan perbezaan mereka dan memberi keutamaan kepada kesihatan dan kesejahteraan semua rakyat Malaysia. Demi menjadikannya satu realiti, satu kompromi mesti dicapai antara Ahli-ahli Parlimen kerajaan dan juga pembangkang supaya Belanjawan 2021 dapat diluluskan pada Jumaat, 6 November akan datang, yang tidak dinafikan akan melibatkan beberapa bentuk persetujuan. Beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen dan organisasi masyarakat sivil (CSO) yang berwibawa telah memberi cadangan bahawa satu Persetujuan Keyakinan dan Pembekalan (CSA) diperlukan untuk memeterai kompromi ini. IDEAS mengalu-alukan CSA ini secara bersyarat, hanya jika terma-terma yang akan dinyatakan ini dipenuhi. Jika dilaksanakan dengan baik, CSA ini berpotensi menjadi alat untuk penambahbaikan institusi.”
Pertama, IDEAS menggesa agar sebarang perundingan ke arah kompromi ini dilakukan dengan telus kerana rakyat Malaysia berhak untuk mengetahui maksud dan tujuan sebarang tindakan wakil rakyat yang mereka pilih. Kedua, perundingan ini harus berorientasikan polisi, dan bukan melibatkan sebarang janji berorientasikan pernaungan politik, pengagihan jawatan dan apa-apa rundingan yang menguntungkan. Ketiga, proses perundingan ini tidak boleh melibatkan apa-apa kompromi terhadap tuduhan-tuduhan jenayah yang sedang dihadapi oleh beberapa orang Ahli Parlimen.
Peningkatan jangkitan COVID-19 buat masa ini mewajibkan semua Ahli Parlimen dan pegawai kerajaan kekal fokus kepada pemulihan kesihatan dan ekonomi negara. Hal ini mewajarkan kestabilan politik dan institusi serta segala perbezaan diketepikan sehingga situasi kembali pulih.
Namun, andai PRU menjadi satu kemestian pada waktu COVID-19 sebagai satu jalan terakhir, maka Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya harus bersedia untuk menjalankannya sebagai satu-satunya penyelesaian demokratik kepada kebuntuan politik semasa. Kita harus mengambil iktibar daripada PRN Sabah, dan SPR perlu dibekalkan dengan segala sumber yang diperlukan untuk bersedia ke arah kebarangkalian tersebut. Beberapa negara lain telah menunjukkan contoh yang baik bagaimana pilihan raya boleh dijalankan dengan selamat ketika wabak melanda. Satu larangan menyeluruh ke atas proses berkempen secara fizikal perlu dipertimbangkan dan semua parti politik perlu mematuhinya secara saksama. Hal ini juga akan mengurangkan kos mengadakan pilihan raya.
Buat masa ini, semua Ahli Parlimen perlu memastikan ketelusan dan kebertanggungjawaban dalam kerjasama mereka dan memberi keutamaan untuk meluluskan Belanjawan 2021. Malaysia amat memerlukan semua sumber yang dimiliki negara disalurkan ke arah membina semula kesejahteraan sosial dan ekonomi negara. Yeoh berkata, “Negara benar-benar sedang berada di persimpangan dan para pemimpin negara mempunyai satu peluang untuk membawa Malaysia kembali ke landasan yang betul. Harapan kami, mereka mampu membuktikan pada rakyat Malaysia yang mereka sebenar-benar pemimpin pada saat mendesak ini.”
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Malaysia and Taiwan are both open, trade-based economies with a deep economic relationship, despite the lack of a formal trade agreement. Both economies face questions over how they will remain competitive over the coming years. Competition in the region is increasingly fierce, with new technologies further fragmenting value chains. These trends are complicated by a shifting policy environment – where once the Trans-Pacific Partnership was set to provide the framework for trade, it has been downgraded to the CPTPP and the US is taking a unilateralist approach. Whereas Taiwan – linked to its ambitious Southbound Policy – has signalled its intention to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Malaysia has signed the agreement but is unwilling to ratify and implement. How would Taiwan’s membership impact the Malaysian economy? What are the prospects for the CPTPP moving forward as the vehicle for rules-based trade in the Asia Pacific? How can Malaysia and Taiwan achieve continued economic and industrial growth amid the continued pressure to compete and turbulence in the global economy?
This webinar will discuss the economic impact on Malaysia if Taiwan joins the CPTPP. Sign up now!
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VXKoecaNQsyoabQG1Bv7Aw
Malaysia has signed the agreement but is unwilling to ratify and implement. How would Taiwan’s membership impact the Malaysian economy? What are the prospects for the CPTPP moving forward as the vehicle for rules-based trade in the Asia Pacific? How can Malaysia and Taiwan achieve continued economic and industrial growth amid the continued pressure to compete and turbulence in the global economy?
This webinar will discuss the economic impact on Malaysia if Taiwan joins the CPTPP. Sign up now!
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VXKoecaNQsyoabQG1Bv7Aw
Zoom Video
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: IDEAS Webinar: Malaysia, Taiwan and the CPTPP: An opportunity for growth?. After registering…
This webinar will discuss the economic impact on Malaysia if Taiwan joins the CPTPP. Malaysia and Taiwan are two open, trade-based economies with a deep economic relationship, despite the lack of a formal trade agreement. Both economies face questions over…
5th IDEAS Liberalism Conference 2020
"Political and Pandemic Plight: The Future of Liberalism?”
7-8 November 2020 (Saturday & Sunday)
Introduction
2020 has been a year of great change and instability for countries all around the world. The COVID-19 crisis has posed tremendous challenges for all communities, putting immense stress on governments, economies and institutions. The pandemic has also posed an important question for policymakers striking the right balance between public health and civil liberties.
Malaysia has been no exception to these trends and has indeed grappled with weighing these demands, but has been doubly challenged by a political crisis that began in February 2020 and has continued for over 8 months. We are crippled by uncertainty over political leadership and an unstable government, yet needing to manage COVID-19 and its economic fallout. The Budget 2021 will be tabled on 6 November 2020, expected to be the most controversial yet important budget in recent history.
IDEAS will be hosting the 5th Annual Liberalism Conference on 7 November 2020. This Conference is an annual exercise to deliberate on the overall progress towards "A Malaysia that upholds the principles of liberty and justice", according to the vision pronounced by the country’s first Prime Minister, Al-Marhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
Given the backdrop of Malaysia's unique political, economic and public health conditions, what is the future of liberalism? Are economic stimulus packages anti-competitive, and how will Budget 2021 address the current economic recession? How can the government provide adequate social protection for the most vulnerable communities? Are authoritarian states better at managing pandemics than democratic ones, and what are the lessons for democratic consolidation? What have Malaysia's 2020's political developments taught us about democracy and authoritarian practices?
The conference tracks progress and developments in Malaysia alongside the parameters of the rule of law, competitive markets, limited government and individual liberty and responsibility. We believe that these values are necessary for a liberal and just Malaysia. Drawing on data, expert analysis, statements by the nation's leaders and inputs from the public at large, this Conference provides a snapshot of Malaysia’s socioeconomic and political developments.
To register click on the following link
Day 1, Session 1 7 Nov 2020 (10:00 am - 12:00pm) - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rjEWcT_RRpKyu77dHz4clg
Day 1, Session 2, 7 Nov 2020 (2:00pm - 3:30 pm) - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D36dL26SQAijqZQbwthfrg
Day 2, 8 Nov 2020 (10:00 am - 12:00pm) - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yjDD-lLQSGeiMk62CumqCg
"Political and Pandemic Plight: The Future of Liberalism?”
7-8 November 2020 (Saturday & Sunday)
Introduction
2020 has been a year of great change and instability for countries all around the world. The COVID-19 crisis has posed tremendous challenges for all communities, putting immense stress on governments, economies and institutions. The pandemic has also posed an important question for policymakers striking the right balance between public health and civil liberties.
Malaysia has been no exception to these trends and has indeed grappled with weighing these demands, but has been doubly challenged by a political crisis that began in February 2020 and has continued for over 8 months. We are crippled by uncertainty over political leadership and an unstable government, yet needing to manage COVID-19 and its economic fallout. The Budget 2021 will be tabled on 6 November 2020, expected to be the most controversial yet important budget in recent history.
IDEAS will be hosting the 5th Annual Liberalism Conference on 7 November 2020. This Conference is an annual exercise to deliberate on the overall progress towards "A Malaysia that upholds the principles of liberty and justice", according to the vision pronounced by the country’s first Prime Minister, Al-Marhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
Given the backdrop of Malaysia's unique political, economic and public health conditions, what is the future of liberalism? Are economic stimulus packages anti-competitive, and how will Budget 2021 address the current economic recession? How can the government provide adequate social protection for the most vulnerable communities? Are authoritarian states better at managing pandemics than democratic ones, and what are the lessons for democratic consolidation? What have Malaysia's 2020's political developments taught us about democracy and authoritarian practices?
The conference tracks progress and developments in Malaysia alongside the parameters of the rule of law, competitive markets, limited government and individual liberty and responsibility. We believe that these values are necessary for a liberal and just Malaysia. Drawing on data, expert analysis, statements by the nation's leaders and inputs from the public at large, this Conference provides a snapshot of Malaysia’s socioeconomic and political developments.
To register click on the following link
Day 1, Session 1 7 Nov 2020 (10:00 am - 12:00pm) - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rjEWcT_RRpKyu77dHz4clg
Day 1, Session 2, 7 Nov 2020 (2:00pm - 3:30 pm) - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D36dL26SQAijqZQbwthfrg
Day 2, 8 Nov 2020 (10:00 am - 12:00pm) - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yjDD-lLQSGeiMk62CumqCg
We just wrapped up our webinar on affirmative action.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/239848446510/videos/163785742082154
Facebook Watch
IDEAS
The special position of the Malays as prescribed in the Federal Constitution has been a source of debate and tension between politicians, academics,...
Youtube: https://youtu.be/lKktr-tVRUw
YouTube
Affirmative Action: Assistance or Discrimination? (Kedudukan Istimewa: Tongkat atau Diskriminasi?)
The special position of the Malays as prescribed in the Federal Constitution has been a source of debate and tension between politicians, academics, civil society and Malaysians for decades. Since Malaysia’s formation, the government has proposed and implemented…
'IDEAS is excited to announce our digital forum "IDEAS API Forum 2020"! As part of IDEAS' ASEAN Prosperity Initiative (API), the forum aims to facilitate discussions to rethink policy direction for the region in order to create a sustainable and equitable ASEAN recovery plan. Hear from subject matter experts such as Dr. Jayant Menon (Senior Fellow, IDEAS & ISEAS), Tan Sri Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria (Executive Director, APEC Secretariat) and more on.
What do the new COVID-19 trends imply about the future development of ASEAN? How would they affect future business opportunities across ASEAN? How can ASEAN take this opportunity to promote shared prosperity and equality within the region?
Link to register for Session 1, ‘RCEP becomes official: What does it mean to post-pandemic recovery for ASEAN?’:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pic3WrpfSvGsLQ3bynlyxQ
What do the new COVID-19 trends imply about the future development of ASEAN? How would they affect future business opportunities across ASEAN? How can ASEAN take this opportunity to promote shared prosperity and equality within the region?
Link to register for Session 1, ‘RCEP becomes official: What does it mean to post-pandemic recovery for ASEAN?’:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pic3WrpfSvGsLQ3bynlyxQ
Link to register for Session 2, ‘Closing borders: What’s the future of ASEAN migration?’:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bDi7Ny4PRcWJ6kWjYvdOsg
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bDi7Ny4PRcWJ6kWjYvdOsg
MEDIA STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
IDEAS: The latest setback with Melaka Gateway highlights the need for better infrastructure planning
1.) The Melaka Gateway has previously been delayed and is now set to be terminated
2.) The project has faced a number of challenges, including pushback from the local community and concerns of economic infeasibility
3.) The termination of the project highlights the need to improve infrastructure project planning, to ensure that Malaysia can benefit from the Belt and Road initiative and now be left with “white elephants”
Kuala Lumpur, 18 November 2020 - The Melaka State government has terminated the land reclamation agreement for the Melaka Gateway Development after the developer failed to complete the project. The Melaka Gateway is a large mixed development to construct artificial islands serving both commercial and tourist functions, in addition to a new deep seaport. The development was considered part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a consortium of Chinese State-Owned Enterprises, led by PowerChina International, and local Malaysian company KAJ Development Sdn Bhd.
As with many large infrastructure projects, The development has faced a number of challenges. The project has attracted criticism from the local community, who have complained about the impact on their way of life. To date construction activities have been limited, but concerns have been raised about the impact on the local environment. The economic feasibility of the project had also been questioned – particularly the demand for additional port capacity, when Malaysia’s current ports, including nearby Klang, continue to operate below capacity. Government support for the project has also been mixed. The development was originally backed by the federal government under Barisan Nasional but negotiations over the port license became strained with the Pakatan Harapan government, suggesting a policy discontinuity between the two administrations. The Melaka state government initially granted the developer freehold land status on the islands but subsequently sought to move to a leasehold arrangement. Now, due to failure to progress the project, the Melaka State government has terminated the land reclamation agreement.
These issues partly reflect inadequate infrastructure project planning. Infrastructure on this scale requires rigorous planning, specifically: social and environmental impact assessments to secure local buy-in and protect the local ecosystem; and economic and financial feasibility assessments to ensure there is an underlying need for the new infrastructure and the project implementers have the capacity to deliver. The Melaka Gateway was primarily a privately driven initiative, but the Malaysian government should take this opportunity to ensure that infrastructure planning is strengthened both for public and private-led projects. Without these processes in place, the projects themselves are placed at significant risk of being left unfinished.
Commenting on these developments, IDEAS Research Director Laurence Todd said: “The Belt and Road initiative has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits to Malaysia and the wider region, through much need infrastructure. However, delivering large scale infrastructure is not straightforward and without proper planning can result in white elephants. This may now be the fate for the Melaka Gateway. We should learn from this and ensure that all future infrastructure projects are subject to thorough economic and financial feasibility assessments and social impact assessments, made publicly available.”
--- END ---
For media enquiries, please contact amir@ideas.org.my
For Immediate Release
IDEAS: The latest setback with Melaka Gateway highlights the need for better infrastructure planning
1.) The Melaka Gateway has previously been delayed and is now set to be terminated
2.) The project has faced a number of challenges, including pushback from the local community and concerns of economic infeasibility
3.) The termination of the project highlights the need to improve infrastructure project planning, to ensure that Malaysia can benefit from the Belt and Road initiative and now be left with “white elephants”
Kuala Lumpur, 18 November 2020 - The Melaka State government has terminated the land reclamation agreement for the Melaka Gateway Development after the developer failed to complete the project. The Melaka Gateway is a large mixed development to construct artificial islands serving both commercial and tourist functions, in addition to a new deep seaport. The development was considered part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a consortium of Chinese State-Owned Enterprises, led by PowerChina International, and local Malaysian company KAJ Development Sdn Bhd.
As with many large infrastructure projects, The development has faced a number of challenges. The project has attracted criticism from the local community, who have complained about the impact on their way of life. To date construction activities have been limited, but concerns have been raised about the impact on the local environment. The economic feasibility of the project had also been questioned – particularly the demand for additional port capacity, when Malaysia’s current ports, including nearby Klang, continue to operate below capacity. Government support for the project has also been mixed. The development was originally backed by the federal government under Barisan Nasional but negotiations over the port license became strained with the Pakatan Harapan government, suggesting a policy discontinuity between the two administrations. The Melaka state government initially granted the developer freehold land status on the islands but subsequently sought to move to a leasehold arrangement. Now, due to failure to progress the project, the Melaka State government has terminated the land reclamation agreement.
These issues partly reflect inadequate infrastructure project planning. Infrastructure on this scale requires rigorous planning, specifically: social and environmental impact assessments to secure local buy-in and protect the local ecosystem; and economic and financial feasibility assessments to ensure there is an underlying need for the new infrastructure and the project implementers have the capacity to deliver. The Melaka Gateway was primarily a privately driven initiative, but the Malaysian government should take this opportunity to ensure that infrastructure planning is strengthened both for public and private-led projects. Without these processes in place, the projects themselves are placed at significant risk of being left unfinished.
Commenting on these developments, IDEAS Research Director Laurence Todd said: “The Belt and Road initiative has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits to Malaysia and the wider region, through much need infrastructure. However, delivering large scale infrastructure is not straightforward and without proper planning can result in white elephants. This may now be the fate for the Melaka Gateway. We should learn from this and ensure that all future infrastructure projects are subject to thorough economic and financial feasibility assessments and social impact assessments, made publicly available.”
--- END ---
For media enquiries, please contact amir@ideas.org.my
KENYATAAN MEDIA
Untuk Sebaran Segera
IDEAS: Halangan terbaharu berkenaan Melaka Gateway menunjukkan keperluan perancangan infrastruktur yang lebih baik
1.) Melaka Gateway pernah ditangguhkan sebelum ini dan kini akan dibatalkan
2.) Projek ini telah menghadapi beberapa cabaran, termasuk penolakan dari komuniti tempatan dan kebimbangan mengenai ketidakbolehlaksanaan ekonomi
3.) Pembatalan projek ini menunjukkan keperluan untuk menambahbaik perancangan projek infrastruktur, untuk memastikan Malaysia beroleh manfaat dari inisiatif Belt and Road dan kini hanya tinggal projek “gajah putih”
Kuala Lumpur, 18 November 2020 - Kerajaan negeri Melaka telah membatalkan perjanjian tebus guna tanah untuk Melaka Gateway Development, selepas pihak pemaju gagal menyiapkan projek tersebut. Melaka Gateway merupakan satu projek pembangunan bercampur untuk membina pulau-pulau buatan sebagai memenuhi keperluan komersial dan pelancong, sebagai tambahan kepada satu pelabuhan laut dalam baharu. Pembangunan ini dianggap sebahagian dari Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), bersama satu konsortium perusahaan milik negara China, diketuai oleh PowerChina International, dan syarikat tempatan KAJ Development Sdn. Bhd.
Sebagaimana projek infrastruktur besar lain, pembangunan ini menghadapi beberapa cabaran. Projek ini telah menerima kritikan dari komuniti tempatan yang telah membuat aduan mengenai kesan terhadap kehidupan mereka. Sehingga kini, aktiviti pembinaan telah dihadkan, tetapi kebimbangan telah dibangkitkan mnegenai kesan terhadap alam sekitar. Kebolehlaksanaan ekonomi projek ini juga telah dipersoalkan – terutamanya mengenai permintaan kapasiti tambahan pelabuhan, di kala pelabuhan-pelabuhan Malaysia yang sedia ada, termasuk Pelabuhan Klang yang berdekatan, beroperasi di bawah kapasiti sebenar. Sokongan kerajaan terhadap projek ini juga bercampur-campur. Pembangunan ini pada awalnya disokong oleh kerajaan persekutuan di bawah Barisan Nasional tetapi rundingan mengenai lesen pelabuhan bersama kerajaan Pakatan Harapan menjadi tegang, menunjukkan kemungkinan ketidaksinambungan dasar antara dua pentadbiran tersebut. Kerajaan negeri Melaka pada awalnya memberikan pulau-pulau itu status tanah pegangan bebas kepada pemaju tetapi kemudian cuba menukar kepada pegangan pajakan. Kini, disebabkan kegagalan menyiapkan projek tersebut, kerajaan negeri Melaka telah membatalkan perjanjian tebus guna tanah itu.
Isu-isu seperti ini sebahagiannya menunjukkan perancangan projek infrastruktur yang tidak mencukupi. Infrastruktur pada skala ini memerlukan perancangan yang teliti, terutamanya: penilaian impak terhadap alam sekitar dan sosial untuk menjamin sokongan tempatan serta melindungi ekosistem tempatan; dan penilaian kebolehlaksanaan ekonomi dan kewangan untuk memastikan terdapat keperluan yang mendasari infrastruktur baharu dan pelaksana projek mempunyai kemampuan untuk melakukannya. Melaka Gateway merupakan satu inisiatif yang dipandu oleh pihak swasta, tetapi kerajaan Malaysia perlu mengambil peluang ini untuk memastikan perancangan infrastruktur diperkukuhkan untuk projek yang dipandu oleh kedua-dua sektor awam dan swasta. Tanpa proses sebegini, projek-projek tersebut berisiko tidak dapat disiapkan.
Mengulas mengenai perkembangan ini, Pengarah Penyelidikan IDEAS Laurence Todd berkata, “Inisiatif Belt and Road ini berpotensi untuk memberikan manfaat ekonomi kepada Malaysia dan rantau yang lebih luas, melalui infrastruktur yang amat diperlukan. Namun, menyempurnakan infrastruktur berskala besar bukan sesuatu yang mudah dan tanpa perancangan yang rapi akan menghasilkan projek gajah putih. Melaka Gateway kini mungkin menerima nasib sebegini. Kita perlu mengambil teladan dari perkara ini dan memastikan semua projek infrastruktur pada masa hadapan akan melalui penilaian kebolehlaksanaan ekonomi dan kewangan yang menyeluruh dan penilaian impak sosial, yang tersedia untuk diakses oleh masyarakat awam.”
--- TAMAT ---
Untuk sebarang pertanyaan, sila hubungi amir@ideas.org.my
Untuk Sebaran Segera
IDEAS: Halangan terbaharu berkenaan Melaka Gateway menunjukkan keperluan perancangan infrastruktur yang lebih baik
1.) Melaka Gateway pernah ditangguhkan sebelum ini dan kini akan dibatalkan
2.) Projek ini telah menghadapi beberapa cabaran, termasuk penolakan dari komuniti tempatan dan kebimbangan mengenai ketidakbolehlaksanaan ekonomi
3.) Pembatalan projek ini menunjukkan keperluan untuk menambahbaik perancangan projek infrastruktur, untuk memastikan Malaysia beroleh manfaat dari inisiatif Belt and Road dan kini hanya tinggal projek “gajah putih”
Kuala Lumpur, 18 November 2020 - Kerajaan negeri Melaka telah membatalkan perjanjian tebus guna tanah untuk Melaka Gateway Development, selepas pihak pemaju gagal menyiapkan projek tersebut. Melaka Gateway merupakan satu projek pembangunan bercampur untuk membina pulau-pulau buatan sebagai memenuhi keperluan komersial dan pelancong, sebagai tambahan kepada satu pelabuhan laut dalam baharu. Pembangunan ini dianggap sebahagian dari Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), bersama satu konsortium perusahaan milik negara China, diketuai oleh PowerChina International, dan syarikat tempatan KAJ Development Sdn. Bhd.
Sebagaimana projek infrastruktur besar lain, pembangunan ini menghadapi beberapa cabaran. Projek ini telah menerima kritikan dari komuniti tempatan yang telah membuat aduan mengenai kesan terhadap kehidupan mereka. Sehingga kini, aktiviti pembinaan telah dihadkan, tetapi kebimbangan telah dibangkitkan mnegenai kesan terhadap alam sekitar. Kebolehlaksanaan ekonomi projek ini juga telah dipersoalkan – terutamanya mengenai permintaan kapasiti tambahan pelabuhan, di kala pelabuhan-pelabuhan Malaysia yang sedia ada, termasuk Pelabuhan Klang yang berdekatan, beroperasi di bawah kapasiti sebenar. Sokongan kerajaan terhadap projek ini juga bercampur-campur. Pembangunan ini pada awalnya disokong oleh kerajaan persekutuan di bawah Barisan Nasional tetapi rundingan mengenai lesen pelabuhan bersama kerajaan Pakatan Harapan menjadi tegang, menunjukkan kemungkinan ketidaksinambungan dasar antara dua pentadbiran tersebut. Kerajaan negeri Melaka pada awalnya memberikan pulau-pulau itu status tanah pegangan bebas kepada pemaju tetapi kemudian cuba menukar kepada pegangan pajakan. Kini, disebabkan kegagalan menyiapkan projek tersebut, kerajaan negeri Melaka telah membatalkan perjanjian tebus guna tanah itu.
Isu-isu seperti ini sebahagiannya menunjukkan perancangan projek infrastruktur yang tidak mencukupi. Infrastruktur pada skala ini memerlukan perancangan yang teliti, terutamanya: penilaian impak terhadap alam sekitar dan sosial untuk menjamin sokongan tempatan serta melindungi ekosistem tempatan; dan penilaian kebolehlaksanaan ekonomi dan kewangan untuk memastikan terdapat keperluan yang mendasari infrastruktur baharu dan pelaksana projek mempunyai kemampuan untuk melakukannya. Melaka Gateway merupakan satu inisiatif yang dipandu oleh pihak swasta, tetapi kerajaan Malaysia perlu mengambil peluang ini untuk memastikan perancangan infrastruktur diperkukuhkan untuk projek yang dipandu oleh kedua-dua sektor awam dan swasta. Tanpa proses sebegini, projek-projek tersebut berisiko tidak dapat disiapkan.
Mengulas mengenai perkembangan ini, Pengarah Penyelidikan IDEAS Laurence Todd berkata, “Inisiatif Belt and Road ini berpotensi untuk memberikan manfaat ekonomi kepada Malaysia dan rantau yang lebih luas, melalui infrastruktur yang amat diperlukan. Namun, menyempurnakan infrastruktur berskala besar bukan sesuatu yang mudah dan tanpa perancangan yang rapi akan menghasilkan projek gajah putih. Melaka Gateway kini mungkin menerima nasib sebegini. Kita perlu mengambil teladan dari perkara ini dan memastikan semua projek infrastruktur pada masa hadapan akan melalui penilaian kebolehlaksanaan ekonomi dan kewangan yang menyeluruh dan penilaian impak sosial, yang tersedia untuk diakses oleh masyarakat awam.”
--- TAMAT ---
Untuk sebarang pertanyaan, sila hubungi amir@ideas.org.my
IDEAS Webinar - Direct Negotiation: Should we abandon the practice?”
Date: 27 November 2020
Time: 10:00 AM (Malaysia Time)
Presenter - Sri Murniati, Manager, Public Finance Unit, IDEAS
Panellist:
YB Dr Ong Kian Ming - MP of Bangi
Alan Kirupakaran - Partner, OAKS Consultancy, Governance and Transparency Practitioner
Tan Sri Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim - Founding Member, G25
Moderator - Tricia Yeoh
Debates on direct negotiation have garnered significant attention in recent times when the Minister of Finance revealed 101 direct negotiation contracts awarded by the PH government. This method has been heavily criticised in the past for being prone to abuse, as well as promoting unfair practices. Are these criticisms fair? What are the problems with the current practice of direct negotiation? Is it possible to improve the practice or should we just abandon it? In conjunction with the release of IDEAS’ policy paper entitled “Improving Direct Negotiation Rules in Malaysia: Learning from Current Practices and International Laws”, this webinar aims to uncover the problems in the current rules and practices of direct negotiation and explore recommendations for reform.
To register, log on to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2QnRbvFFSwmCu3PaCm1NWw
Date: 27 November 2020
Time: 10:00 AM (Malaysia Time)
Presenter - Sri Murniati, Manager, Public Finance Unit, IDEAS
Panellist:
YB Dr Ong Kian Ming - MP of Bangi
Alan Kirupakaran - Partner, OAKS Consultancy, Governance and Transparency Practitioner
Tan Sri Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim - Founding Member, G25
Moderator - Tricia Yeoh
Debates on direct negotiation have garnered significant attention in recent times when the Minister of Finance revealed 101 direct negotiation contracts awarded by the PH government. This method has been heavily criticised in the past for being prone to abuse, as well as promoting unfair practices. Are these criticisms fair? What are the problems with the current practice of direct negotiation? Is it possible to improve the practice or should we just abandon it? In conjunction with the release of IDEAS’ policy paper entitled “Improving Direct Negotiation Rules in Malaysia: Learning from Current Practices and International Laws”, this webinar aims to uncover the problems in the current rules and practices of direct negotiation and explore recommendations for reform.
To register, log on to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2QnRbvFFSwmCu3PaCm1NWw
Zoom Video
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Direct Negotiation: Should we abandon the practice?. After registering, you will receive…
Debates on direct negotiation have garnered significant attention in recent times, once again catching the eye of the public in August, where the Minister of Finance revealed 101 direct negotiation contracts awarded by the PH government. This method has been…
Media Statement
For immediate release
IDEAS: Revise Direct Negotiation Methods and Introduce Competitive Negotiations
• Current policies are inadequate to address prevailing issues indirectly negotiated contracts, including corruption and chronic mismanagement.
• Analysis of the Auditor-General’s Report 2014-18 indicates that there were multiple instances of abuse where no further action was taken.
• To respond to non-catastrophe related urgent needs direct negotiation should be replaced with competitive negotiations, building on international best practice.
• The upcoming Government Procurement Act provides an opportunity for the government to improve value for money, accountability, and transparency in the direct negotiation process. IDEAS calls for the inclusion of “competitive negotiations” and “review system” in the upcoming Act, as well as strengthening of the current circulars.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 November 2020 - The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) has published a policy paper, “Improving Direct Negotiation Rules in Malaysia: Learning from Current Practices and International Laws” co-written by Sri Murniati and Danial Ariff.
Public procurement through direct negotiation has been viewed negatively by the public due to its proclivity for abuse and cronyism. The Finance Minister's revelation of 101 directly-negotiated contracts in August put direct negotiations in the spotlight once again. IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh said, "This paper is part of IDEAS' initiative to contribute to the government’s plan to introduce a procurement legislation by 2023, as mandated by the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2020. The paper evaluates the limitations of current rules on direct negotiation, how they are practised, and presents recommendations for reform. To show how the current rules are being practised, this paper conducted an analysis of direct negotiation contracts disclosed in Auditor-General’s report 2014-18."
The paper argues that the current rules of direct negotiation (Circulars P.K 7.15 & P.K 7.16) have measures to ensure direct negotiation contracts are delivered with some accountability, achieve value for money, and foster fair competition. However, they do not have adequate transparency measures and contain measures that may negatively impact accountability and value for money. Additionally, the analysis of the direct negotiation projects in the Auditor General Reports from 2014-2018 shows that the rules are not implemented well. The paper identifies multiple violations of rules in the approval process, qualification of contractors, and negotiation process.
The paper recommends revision to the current policies and the adoption of “competitive negotiations” as an alternative to the current model of direct negotiation. This reform should be coupled with a review system in the upcoming procurement legislation. Additionally, IDEAS calls for a clear separation between the power and responsibility of bureaucrats and politicians in procurement exercises. It also reiterates our previous call to publish information about direct negotiation before and after the procurement exercise.
Yeoh added that “Direct negotiation is a necessary procurement method to address the needs for expedited service delivery. However, the gaps in the current rules create loopholes that can be exploited by individuals in positions of power for their advantages. The recommendations that the paper puts forward can minimise the loopholes and strengthen the potential of this procurement method to deliver value for taxpayers' money."
--- END ---
A copy of the paper can be downloaded here (https://bit.ly/directnegotiation)
We will be discussing the paper tomorrow at a webinar titled "Direct Negotiations: Should we abandon the practice?" (27 Nov 2020, 10:00 am). To register, log on to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2QnRbvFFSwmCu3PaCm1NWw
For immediate release
IDEAS: Revise Direct Negotiation Methods and Introduce Competitive Negotiations
• Current policies are inadequate to address prevailing issues indirectly negotiated contracts, including corruption and chronic mismanagement.
• Analysis of the Auditor-General’s Report 2014-18 indicates that there were multiple instances of abuse where no further action was taken.
• To respond to non-catastrophe related urgent needs direct negotiation should be replaced with competitive negotiations, building on international best practice.
• The upcoming Government Procurement Act provides an opportunity for the government to improve value for money, accountability, and transparency in the direct negotiation process. IDEAS calls for the inclusion of “competitive negotiations” and “review system” in the upcoming Act, as well as strengthening of the current circulars.
Kuala Lumpur, 26 November 2020 - The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) has published a policy paper, “Improving Direct Negotiation Rules in Malaysia: Learning from Current Practices and International Laws” co-written by Sri Murniati and Danial Ariff.
Public procurement through direct negotiation has been viewed negatively by the public due to its proclivity for abuse and cronyism. The Finance Minister's revelation of 101 directly-negotiated contracts in August put direct negotiations in the spotlight once again. IDEAS CEO Tricia Yeoh said, "This paper is part of IDEAS' initiative to contribute to the government’s plan to introduce a procurement legislation by 2023, as mandated by the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2020. The paper evaluates the limitations of current rules on direct negotiation, how they are practised, and presents recommendations for reform. To show how the current rules are being practised, this paper conducted an analysis of direct negotiation contracts disclosed in Auditor-General’s report 2014-18."
The paper argues that the current rules of direct negotiation (Circulars P.K 7.15 & P.K 7.16) have measures to ensure direct negotiation contracts are delivered with some accountability, achieve value for money, and foster fair competition. However, they do not have adequate transparency measures and contain measures that may negatively impact accountability and value for money. Additionally, the analysis of the direct negotiation projects in the Auditor General Reports from 2014-2018 shows that the rules are not implemented well. The paper identifies multiple violations of rules in the approval process, qualification of contractors, and negotiation process.
The paper recommends revision to the current policies and the adoption of “competitive negotiations” as an alternative to the current model of direct negotiation. This reform should be coupled with a review system in the upcoming procurement legislation. Additionally, IDEAS calls for a clear separation between the power and responsibility of bureaucrats and politicians in procurement exercises. It also reiterates our previous call to publish information about direct negotiation before and after the procurement exercise.
Yeoh added that “Direct negotiation is a necessary procurement method to address the needs for expedited service delivery. However, the gaps in the current rules create loopholes that can be exploited by individuals in positions of power for their advantages. The recommendations that the paper puts forward can minimise the loopholes and strengthen the potential of this procurement method to deliver value for taxpayers' money."
--- END ---
A copy of the paper can be downloaded here (https://bit.ly/directnegotiation)
We will be discussing the paper tomorrow at a webinar titled "Direct Negotiations: Should we abandon the practice?" (27 Nov 2020, 10:00 am). To register, log on to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2QnRbvFFSwmCu3PaCm1NWw