Isn’t it ironic that a multi-billion ringgit government contract was awarded to a company embroiled in an allegation of attempting to defraud the government? And if not, what should we call it?

Last week, Spanco Sdn Bhd’s chairman pleaded not guilty to a charge of cheating the government over a RM4 billion contract linked to the procurement and management of the government’s vehicle fleet. The tycoon was accused of committing the offence in February 2019 by convincing the Finance Ministry that his company has at least 30 per cent Bumiputera shareholding.

Last month, the Finance Ministry, in a written reply to my parliamentary question, confirmed that the contract with Spanco Sdn Bhd for supplying, maintaining, and managing the government’s vehicle fleet is still ongoing.

Forgive my scepticism, but I am now not entirely satisfied with the government’s response. How can the government ensure the fulfilment of obligations under the contract with Spanco after the company’s boss has been accused of cheating the government?

What is the value of the concession agreement, and when is it set to expire? Was the award of the contract to Spanco approved by the Cabinet?

I urge the government to conduct a thorough review of the contract with Spanco amidst the ongoing criminal court proceedings against the company’s owner.