The Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) in its meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin bin Haji Mohd. Yassin, on 25 June 2020 has decided that all ministries and government agencies responsible for issuing licences and permits must publish guidelines which should be made available online for public information. JKKMAR has also mandated Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), who is also the Secretariat for PEMUDAH to assist in ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the initiative at the federal and state government levels.
The implementation of the initiative aims to create a more transparent mechanism in the process of issuing licences and permits, improve the integrity of public service delivery, and prevent corruption and misconduct.
Through a media statement from the Prime Minister’s Office dated 25 June 2020, the JKKMAR Meeting Series 2 agreed with the decision among others that it is necessary to increase the effectiveness and transparency of public procurement to avoid the leakage of public funds and focus on economic issues, especially the cost of living.
MPC has commenced the implementation of the mandate by publishing the guidelines and working closely with JKKMAR, the federal and state governments, as well as the local authorities. The guidelines encompass all regulatory instruments including the issuance of licences and permits, registration, notifications, and inspections. At the initial stage of implementation, MPC has identified licensing instruments as well as relevant ministries and government agencies responsible for issuing licences and permits. Currently, MPC is distributing the guideline template to the relevant ministries and government agencies.
YBhg. Dato’ Abdul Latif Bin Hj. Abu Seman, Director General of MPC said “MPC with the cooperation of all parties will realise the mandate. This is in line with the strategic thrusts and national-level initiatives in the Malaysia Productivity Blueprint (MPB) in building a robust ecosystem to enhance effectiveness, adaptability, and accountability in the governance systems in order to support businesses to increase productivity. This will ensure a healthy and competitive business environment.”
He added, “This effort is also one of MPC’s affirmative actions in supporting the government’s efforts to realise the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019 – 2023 to improve the economy and well-being of the people.”
The implementation of the publication of guidelines is expected to be completed by October 2020 at the federal government level and will be extended to the state level next year.
JKKMAR Requests Increased Transparency in Issuing Licenses
