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THE Dewan Rakyat today passed the Government Procurement Bill 2025 (RUU Perolehan Kerajaan 2025) following a division vote, after intense debate involving 20 Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition blocs.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul announced the final tally, with 125 MPs voting in favour, 63 against, 32 absent, and one abstention.
During the second reading of the bill, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government was taking proactive steps to limit administrative powers through the introduction of the Procurement Bill, aimed at enhancing governance and accountability.
“Although some have claimed that the bill grants excessive powers and discretion to the Finance Minister, the authority of the individual appointed to that post in relation to procurement is already provided for under the Financial Procedure Act 1957,” Anwar explained.
He added that the bill would reinforce the principle of checks and balances, ensuring that procurement decisions, including those made by the Finance Minister, could be challenged and reviewed.
“Through the establishment of the Procurement Review Panel and an independent Procurement Appeals Tribunal, decisions will be open to scrutiny,” said the Prime Minister.
He further noted that punitive action would be introduced for non-compliance with procurement procedures, underscoring the bill’s role in promoting transparency and curbing abuse. - August 28, 2025