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New Straits Times
35 minutes ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Systems failure : Time for government to hire experts
Once again, we are witnessing an embarrassing failure of government procurement and implementation. The most recent examples, KLIA's RM1 billion autogate system and the much-hyped Aerotrain replacement, expose a deeper, long-standing structural flaw in how our government handles large-scale technology and infrastructure contracts. They are symptoms of a systemic failure that repeats itself over and over, costing taxpayers billions with little accountability or reform. The more than RM1 billion autogate system, which failed to deliver in the first tender, was re-tendered and awarded to a government-friendly party. Implemented at both KLIA and the Johor-Singapore Causeway, it malfunctioned within days of being put into use. The system, which is meant to ease immigration clearance, failed to perform its basic function, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and confused; leaving a poor impression on visitors and our southern neighbour. This comes on the heels of the KLIA Aerotrain fiasco, which broke down after just one day of public operation. What these failures have in common is glaring: they were systems outsourced to private corporations, supplied by external vendors, but managed without any real in-house expertise from the government. The departments including the Immigration Department, Border Control Agency, and MAHB, appear to lack qualified technical personnel who can critically evaluate, test and intervene when problems arise. How is it that such expensive, high-profile systems were allowed to go live without robust pre-commissioning and testing? And where were the internal checks and balances to ensure proper oversight? In both cases, the root problem is not just technical, it's governance. These systems were meant to be commissioned and run by supposed "experts" from corporate vendors. But the moment something fails, the government scrambles, unable to diagnose or even understand the extent of the problem without going back to the same vendors. This outsourcing dependency model, without internal technical validation, is a disaster waiting to happen, again and again. The pattern is now depressingly familiar. We saw it in the Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, where billions were paid out for ships that never sailed. Helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) were ordered but never delivered. School IT systems under the Ministry of Education were installed but never properly functioned. And then there's MEX2, the infamous highway fiasco that never saw the light of day due to lack of oversight and strict financial controls. Despite these high-profile failures, we seemed determined to repeat the same mistakes: awarding billion-ringgit contracts without building the internal capacity to monitor, supervise, and hold suppliers and vendors accountable. The solution is not complicated, but it does require political will. The government must begin hiring, or at least contracting, independent technical experts, who can represent public interest in these massive procurement exercises. These professionals known as subject matter experts (or SMEs) such as engineers, IT or systems experts, traffic and transport experts, including project managers, must be hired or embedded within ministries and tasked with reviewing system designs, pre-tender review, verifying delivery milestones, auditing implementation processes, and ensuring proper testing before any public rollout. Without this layer of internal scrutiny, the government is simply signing blank cheques and hoping for the best. There is no reason why such oversight cannot be put in place. It doesn't cost much, certainly much cheaper than failing costs, bad publicity and poor reputation. In fact, many developed nations require project proponents to undergo third-party system verification and independent quality audits before deployment. Yet in Malaysia, such measures are almost always bypassed, either due to ignorance, arrogance, or worse, vested interests. We need a permanent, institutionalised mechanism, a "Government Technical Oversight Unit", perhaps, tasked solely with protecting public interest in all large-scale contracts. Whether it is defence procurement, transport infrastructure, or digital systems, this body must be empowered to question suppliers, halt faulty implementations, and report directly to Parliament or the Auditor-General. Until such a policy is implemented, Malaysians should brace for more of the same: billion-ringgit contracts that fail to deliver, with no one held accountable, and no lessons learned. It is time the government starts building the technical expertise to safeguard national interest. There should be an independent, third party review on large scale government procurement such as: * Penang LRT * Leasing of locomotives and coaches from China * Leasing of Augusta Westland helicopters by the defence ministry * MRT3 proposal. Given that the government has to borrow more to fund these projects, this raises concerns over the rising government debt that has now surpassed the trillion ringgit mark, representing almost 70 per cent of our GDP. These projects are likely candidates to go wrong and will likely get singled out by the Auditor General in a couple of years from now. Kuala Lumpur
Focus Malaysia
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
A new wind for democracy in Malaysia and a hope for Southeast Asia
ON July 1, Malaysia's Federal Court issued a landmark decision that may signal a democratic turning point—not just for Malaysia, but potentially for the wider Southeast Asian region. The court declared that Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 is unconstitutional. This provision had long served as the basis for criminalising individuals who held peaceful protests without giving police the mandatory five-day notice. The challenge was brought by Amir Hariri Abdul Hadi, a human rights activist convicted for leading peaceful protests under the #TangkapAzamBaki campaign and against the controversial Littoral Combat Ship (#ManaKapalLCS) project. He refused to comply with a rule he saw as an unreasonable restriction on the right to peaceful assembly. The court agreed. It ruled that the constitutional right to assemble, as guaranteed under Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, cannot be curtailed by disproportionate administrative requirements. This is not a case about technical notice procedures. It is about a core democratic question: can the state criminalise citizens for failing to notify authorities before exercising a basic constitutional right? The Federal Court's answer was clear: it cannot. The right to peaceful assembly is a pillar of any functioning democracy. A democracy cannot survive without free and open public spaces. Moreover, the court found that Section 9(5) violates the principle of legal equality under Article 8(1) of the Constitution. Citizens must not be treated unequally simply for choosing peaceful protest as a form of political participation. A moment for broader reform This ruling is more than a domestic legal victory. It signals that Malaysia may be moving toward a more open and accountable governance model. Across Southeast Asia, civic space has come under increasing strain. Indonesia's controversial Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, Singapore's hate speech laws, Thailand's Emergency Decree, and various protest restrictions in the Philippines and Vietnam are frequently used to suppress dissent. Young activists are being arrested for criticising government policies, defending the environment, or standing up for marginalised communities. Yet resistance continues. Hope persists. In Indonesia, the Constitutional Court recently struck down Articles 14 and 15 of Law No. 1 of 1946, provisions long used to criminalise the spread of 'false information'—often weaponised against activists and critics. The challenge was filed by prominent rights defenders Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti, both of whom had been targeted under these laws. While these Articles were not directly related to protests, their removal has resulted in the release of several individuals unjustly prosecuted for expressing dissent. Here, we must remember the core principle of 'limiting without violating'—known in human rights law as the margin of appreciation. States may impose restrictions on expression and assembly in exceptional circumstances, but such restrictions must be lawful, necessary, proportionate, and aimed at legitimate public interests. When restrictions turn into punishment for peaceful expression, the state crosses the line from rule of law to authoritarianism. Lessons for Southeast Asia For neighbouring countries—especially Indonesia—this Malaysian ruling is not just a legal headline. It is both a mirror and a warning. In Indonesia, peaceful protests are still met with repression. Criticism is silenced in the name of order. Administrative procedures are misused to shut down public voices. This is not the behaviour of a healthy democracy. This is a democracy under restraint. Too often, we are told that order matters more than freedom. But perhaps we should flip the question: what is the point of order if citizens cannot speak? What value does the law hold if it only serves those in power? Democracy without public space is hollow. A state that fears peaceful protest is a state that fears its own people. Malaysia's Federal Court has delivered a strong message: the right to assemble is not a threat to be subdued, but the very breath of democratic life. Law should never be used as a weapon—it should be the fence that protects freedom. In a region where authoritarian shadows are slowly creeping in, this ruling offers a spark of hope. But it will only grow if nurtured—by the people, by movements, and by cross-border solidarity. Now is the time for young Southeast Asians to unite—not only to resist within their national borders, but to build solidarity across them. Democracy is not just a legal matter. It is a matter of courage—the courage to speak, even when silenced. ‒ July 9, 2025 Delpedro Marhaen is the executive director of Lokataru, a human rights organisation based in Indonesia. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Wikimedia Commons/Gryffindor
Miami Herald
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Images Show US Navy Vessels Deploy for Possible Iran Attack
Satellite imagery showed that all forward-deployed U.S. Navy vessels have left a key port in the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain as Washington braces for a potential Iranian strike. Newsweek contacted the Pentagon for comment on the naval moves. The U.S. military buildup in the region signals a posture of high readiness amid growing uncertainty over whether President Donald Trump will back Israel's offensive against Iran. While Trump had long sought to broker Middle East deals and steer America away from protracted entanglements, his approach toward Iran has leaned on pressure and coercion. If the U.S. enters the conflict, Iran is expected to strike back not only at American assets but also at key regional allies, with Gulf nations among the possible first targets. At least one Littoral Combat Ship, four Mine Countermeasure vessels, and the special operations mothership M/V Ocean Trader are currently underway in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, according to satellite imagery shared by open-source analysts on X, formerly Twitter, such as Ian Ellis. Their departure suggests movement into strategic positions across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, or Gulf of Oman-all key zones within CENTCOM area of responsibility, analysts said. On Monday, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier diverted from the South China Sea to the Middle East, where it would join the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group that entered the Arabian Sea in April. A U.S. strike on Iran's underground Fordow facility would likely involve a GBU-57/B bunker buster delivered by B-2 bombers based at Diego Garcia. "Consistent with the duty to protect U.S. forces in the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel," a defense official told Newsweek on Tuesday. U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday: "We know exactly where the so-called "Supreme leader" is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Heather Williams, Associate Director of the International Security and Defense Policy Program at RAND, in a published Israel-Iran analysis: "The threat to U.S. personnel in the region is real. In terms of broader conflict in the Middle East, Israeli military successes against Iran are likely to reduce the threat in the short term and raise it in the long term. On the one hand, this could give Washington space to focus on more-immediate security needs in other theaters, but it also could set conditions for a future Middle East conflict that would mire the United States when it wants to be focused elsewhere." U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft are also headed for the Middle East amid an escalating war between Israel and Iran. The key question will be whether the United States joins the action. Related Articles Map Shows U.S. Middle East Travel Warnings as Possible Iran War LoomsAmerican Killed in Deadly Russian Strike on KyivUS Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington Counters China Navy PresenceHow Iran Could Retaliate Against US. Three Possible Options 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
13MP expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28
PUTRAJAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28, MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today. Fahmi, who is also the Minister of Communications, said that during today's Cabinet meeting, Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron presented a briefing and a brief summary on the implementation of the 13MP. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had requested all ministries to review the draft presented and provide feedback to the Economy Ministry soon before it is finalised for tabling in Parliament. 'I believe the tabling of the 13MP is expected to take place on July 28, 2025. 'This, Insya-Allah, will be the first Malaysia Plan to be tabled by the Prime Minister (Anwar),' he said at his weekly press conference here. Yesterday, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the 13MP would mark a turning point in the government's efforts to address national economic challenges, including development and income gaps, limited fiscal space, and the slow pace of structural economic transition. The 13MP, which covers the 2026-2030 period, is one of the government's key policy documents for implementing the MADANI Economy agenda. On another matter, Fahmi said the Prime Minister also reminded Cabinet members to continue efforts to upgrade and improve 30 schools located in military camps across the country. He added that the Prime Minister was also satisfied with the progress of work on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project by Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas), describing it as a commendable achievement. 'Projects like the LCS, which have been successfully undertaken and are able to be completed, including by local engineers, are a proud achievement,' he said.
Barnama
18-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
13MP Expected To Be Tabled In Parliament On July 28
PUTRAJAYA, June 18 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28, MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today. Fahmi, who is also the Minister of Communications, said that during today's Cabinet meeting, Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron presented a briefing and a brief summary on the implementation of the 13MP. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had requested all ministries to review the draft presented and provide feedback to the Economy Ministry soon before it is finalised for tabling in Parliament. 'I believe the tabling of the 13MP is expected to take place on July 28, 2025. 'This, Insya-Allah, will be the first Malaysia Plan to be tabled by the Prime Minister (Anwar),' he said at his weekly press conference here. Yesterday, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the 13MP would mark a turning point in the government's efforts to address national economic challenges, including development and income gaps, limited fiscal space, and the slow pace of structural economic transition. The 13MP, which covers the 2026-2030 period, is one of the government's key policy documents for implementing the MADANI Economy agenda. On another matter, Fahmi said the Prime Minister also reminded Cabinet members to continue efforts to upgrade and improve 30 schools located in military camps across the country. He added that the Prime Minister was also satisfied with the progress of work on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project by Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas), describing it as a commendable achievement.
