No intention to deceive MOF, govt to secure Jana Wibawa project - witness

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) was instructed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to process applications recommended for projects under the Jana Wibawa programme, a High Court hearing revealed today. Datin Rosni Mohd Yusoff, who served as secretary of MOF’s Government Investment Companies Division, testified that this directive originated from Treasury deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Zamzuri Abdul Aziz.

The Procurement Division solely handled Jana Wibawa applications received via the PMO, minute them for further action, and assess the companies before presenting them to the Jana Wibawa Contractor Evaluation Committee. There was no interference during the committee's decision-making process, according to Rosni. However, she clarified that the mandate for the companies to undergo assessment came directly from the PMO through the MOF office.

Nuralis Mat, the Deputy Public Prosecutor, probed Rosni about the distinctions between communication, a minute, and an instruction. Rosni explained that a minute is an official document reflecting the action to be taken by the MOF office, followed by specific instructions to the secretary of the Procurement Division to carry out the action outlined in the minute.

The assessment of contractors by the Jana Wibawa Contractor Evaluation Committee was mandatory for their eligibility in the pre-qualification tender process by the Public Works Department, Rosni testified.