A backbencher said the Government Procurement Bill 2025 grants absolute power to the finance minister, and described it as a “threat” to reform.
Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) said that under the proposed legislation, Parliament would not be able to debate government tenders and purchases.
“One section of the law effectively puts the finance minister above the law,” he said during the debate on the bill in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Hassan, who has not shied away from criticising the government in the past, also felt that the bill was being bulldozed through.
Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong) defended the bill, saying critics were being unfair and misunderstood the reforms.
“To claim this bill maintains the status quo is like an ostrich burying its head in the sand,” the former minister said.
She said the bill introduced better…