Kuala Lumpur: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called on the government to clarify when the Government Procurement Act 2025 will come into force and when the Government Procurement Appeals Tribunal will be established.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Chong reminded that the Government Procurement Bill 2025 had been passed by the Dewan Rakyat in August and subsequently by the Dewan Negara in September this year.
He said the Act introduces a new mechanism to review the government’s procurement process through the establishment of an independent tribunal that allows any party dissatisfied with procurement procedures to lodge appeals openly.
“All proceedings before the Appeals Tribunal will be conducted publicly, providing a more transparent review process. Previously, such appeals were handled internally, but now decisions will be made externally and openly,” he said.
Chong added that the new tribunal would operate more independently and play a crucial role in ensuring oversight and accountability in government procurement procedures.
In a separate matter, Chong also raised concerns over delayed tax refund payments owed by the government to businesses through the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
He questioned the fairness of the current policy, which requires businesses to continue paying annual taxes despite the government still owing them substantial tax refund arrears, in some cases taking up to ten years to be fully settled.
“This policy is unfair to businesses and has affected their cash flow,” he stressed.
Chong urged the government to consider allowing a tax set-off mechanism, enabling taxpayers to offset their outstanding refunds against current or future tax obligations until the government’s arrears are completely cleared.
