Procurement Issues in Malaysia

International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 24 No. 6, 2011, pp. 567-593

Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 0951-3558, 2011, DOI 10.1108/09513551111163666

27 Pages Posted: 16 Oct 2012

See all articles by Wee Shu Hui

Wee Shu Hui

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

Radiah Othman

Massey University

Normah Omar

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

Rashidah Abdul Rahman

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) - Bureau of Research and Consultancy (BRC)

Nurul Husna Haron

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

Date Written: October 15, 2012

Abstract

Purpose- This study was undertaken with the aim of surveying the perception of the two main stakeholders in procurement system; the contractors and the procurement officers on issues such as accountability, transparency, corruption, integrity and cronyism pertaining to the public procurement system in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach- Interviews were conducted over a nine-month period in 2007 to gauge the perception of the procurement officers and contractors on procurement issues in Malaysia. The interview data were then transcribed and grouped according to six main themes; transparency, procurement policies and procedures and its implementation, personnel involved in the procurement system, estimation/budget/pricing, professionalism and ethics and timeliness.

Findings- One of the common complaints made by the contractors was prevalence of interference from outside parties and cronyism, which affects the awarding of contracts. The procurement officers were blamed for malpractice and non compliance to the policies and procedures of the procurement system.

Practical implications- The paper deals with sensitive issues and takes several months to successfully gather respondents who willing to give feedback on their experience with the procurement system. The data are first hand information and are carefully transcribed and categorized into categories to help better understanding of the issues raised by the respondents.

Originality/value- The paper deals with sensitive issues and takes several months to successfully gather respondents who willing to give feedback on their experience with the procurement system. The data are first hand information and are carefully transcribed and categorized into categories to help better understanding of the issues raised by the respondents and the private sector.

Keywords: Malaysia, public procurement, public sector management, accountability

Suggested Citation

Shu Hui, Wee and Othman, Radiah and Omar, Normah and Rahman, Rashidah Abdul and Haron, Nurul Husna, Procurement Issues in Malaysia (October 15, 2012). International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 24 No. 6, 2011, pp. 567-593 , Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 0951-3558, 2011, DOI 10.1108/09513551111163666, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2162204

Wee Shu Hui

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) ( email )

Radiah Othman (Contact Author)

Massey University ( email )

School of Accountancy
Palmerston North
New Zealand

Normah Omar

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) ( email )

Rashidah Abdul Rahman

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) - Bureau of Research and Consultancy (BRC) ( email )

40450 Shah Alam
Malaysia
+03 55442090 (Phone)

Nurul Husna Haron

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) ( email )

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