09/10/2025

THURSDAY | OCT 9, 2025

3 Surge in stalled public projects raises alarm over governance

Veteran journalist reappointed Bernama chairman KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai ( pic) has been reappointed as Bernama chairman, while Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid has been named President of its Supervisory Council. Their appointments, effective Sept 1, 2025, to Aug 31, 2027, were made with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. Penang-born Wong, 64, a National Journalism Laureate, was first appointed Bernama chairman on Sept 1, 2023. With

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

government can improve fiscal efficiency and rebuild public trust.” He warned that incomplete education infrastructure could disrupt access to quality learning environments in the short term and dampen human capital and productivity growth in the long run. “These setbacks can widen regional disparities, but prompt intervention and completion of key projects could yield significant multiplier effects once operational. “Project delays directly hinder Malaysia’s education and human capital targets under the 12MP by slowing progress toward equitable access and skill development. “However, identifying and addressing these gaps now can strengthen the next phase of the plan, ensuring more inclusive and resilient growth in education outcomes.” Mohamad Idham said enforcing stricter accountability measures, conducting independent audits and ensuring greater transparency in procurement would go a long way in improving project outcomes. “Such reforms would deter mismanagement, enhance trust in government institutions and ensure that every ringgit spent delivers tangible results for students, educators and the broader economy.” spend most of their day there. So, occupational safety and health apply just as much.” He urged the ministry to ensure at least one trained occupational safety and health coordinator (OSH C) is appointed in every school to monitor and mitigate safety risks. Under the Human Resources Ministry’s framework, OSH-Cs are responsible for identifying hazards, reporting risks and implementing preventive measures to reduce accidents. “If a teacher or staff member receives OSH-C training, they’ll know what to do during emergencies – from reporting procedures to taking immediate safety measures before help arrives,” Lee explained. He said the Education Ministry must also prioritise safe infrastructure, including secure drains, well-maintained toilets, sports fields and canteens, to minimise accidents and fatalities. “Prevention starts with awareness and responsibility. Every school must take OSH seriously,” he added. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek recently said the school safety audits are being conducted nationwide, with full reports expected within the next one to two months. The audits form part of the government’s Safe School Framework, which also covers bullying, mental health and student welfare, and is expected to be included in Budget 2026 proposals.

o With over 1,500 initiatives cancelled, delayed or not started, economists urge stricter oversight, transparent procurement and stronger delivery system

PETALING JAYA: A surge in stalled and uncompleted government projects has raised serious questions over the effectiveness of project management and accountability across ministries, particularly in the Education Ministry which recorded the highest number of incomplete initiatives. According to the Auditor General’s (AG) Report 3/2025, the ministry had 112 projects cancelled or deferred, 840 yet to begin, 554 still ongoing and 534 completed, painting a worrying picture of delays and inefficiency. Economist Prof Geoffrey Williams said such setbacks not only tie up resources and inflate costs but also postpone public access to improved infrastructure, forcing communities to cope with outdated facilities and slowing national progress. “The high number of stalled projects shows weaknesses in project management and accountability systems. While contractors are ultimately responsible, the bigger question is why they are not being held to account.”

over 40 years in the media industry, he previously served on Bernama’s Board of Governors (2004– 2010) and Supervisory Council (2010–2014). In 2003, Wong won the Malaysian Press Institute’s Best Journalist Award for

Williams said prolonged delays hinder human capital development and weaken Malaysia’s competitiveness against regional peers. “Reforms are needed mainly in project management, monitoring and accountability – these must happen at the earliest delivery points. “Stricter penalties must also be applied, but ideally, such situations should be prevented through better governance of procurement processes. The best contractors must be hired through open competition, not direct contracts.” Economist Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said the high number of stalled and cancelled education projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) signals execution challenges rather than weak policy direction. He said stronger coordination and monitoring mechanisms are comprehensive – extending beyond discipline, bullying or crime prevention – to cover the physical safety of school environments. “School safety must be looked at in a holistic manner. It should not just focus on student behaviour or criminal elements but also cover the physical safety and infrastructure within schools.” Lee was responding to a recent incident in Negeri Sembilan, where a nine-year-old boy died after falling into an uncovered sewage pit during a school sports event on

crucial to ensure resources are used efficiently and deliver intended outcomes. “From an economist’s perspective, such delays indicate governance gaps in managing public funds, especially in project delivery and oversight. “Yet, they also create an opportunity for the government to reassess priorities, tighten financial controls and ensure that future allocations are linked to performance-based outcomes and improving fiscal discipline.” Mohamad Idham said the delays exposed systemic weaknesses in procurement and project management, including poor contractor performance and bureaucratic hurdles. “Stalled projects waste allocated funds and reduce value-for-money for taxpayers. But with proper recovery plans and by redirecting funds to high-impact initiatives, the Sept 27. “This is a heartbreaking example of how neglect in basic infrastructure safety can cost a young life. Such incidents should never happen within school grounds,” he said. Lee stressed that OSH principles, which are standard in workplaces, should also apply in schools since teachers and staff work there daily while students share the same environment. “Schools are also workplaces. Teachers work there and students

his investigative piece on Malaysian terrorists in Afghanistan and was listed by Asia Inc. among Asia’s top 50 young movers and shakers. He later received the World Chinese Economic Forum’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2014) and McMillan Woods’ Media Leader Award (2015). Azhar, 61, replaces Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin. The Batu Pahat native holds a law degree from International Islamic University Malaysia and began his career as a magistrate in 1989. The Supervisory Council ensures Bernama’s compliance with the Bernama Act 1967. – Bernama ‘Bullying inflicts deep trauma and derails futures’ PETALING JAYA: Bullying in schools remains a serious threat to students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing, with far-reaching effects that extend beyond the classroom, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. He said bullying can inflict lasting trauma, trigger mental health issues and lead to declining academic performance. “Bullying not only destroys the future of individuals but also fosters a culture of violence that contradicts the principles of humanity and learning.” Lee urged for comprehensive and preventive measures, stressing that the culture of silence and denial must end. He said schools must report bullying cases transparently to parents, authorities and the police, with firm disciplinary action against perpetrators. He also proposed that schools strengthen support systems by hiring more trained counsellors and set up confidential reporting channels so students can seek help without fear of reprisal. “To tackle bullying effectively, awareness must start early. It’s not just about punishment – it’s about changing mindsets and helping both victims and perpetrators heal and learn.” Lee further recommended that schools enhance supervision and safety by installing CCTV cameras in strategic areas such as cafeterias, corridors and classrooms, and by increasing teacher presence during recess and extracurricular activities. – By KIRTINEE RAMESH

Include occupational safety in school audits: Lam Thye

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry must include Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) elements in its ongoing nationwide school safety audits to prevent future tragedies stemming from neglected infrastructure, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. He said while the ministry’s audit of more than 700 schools is a commendable effort, it must be

Lee said occupational safety and health should also apply at schools as they are standard workplaces in which teachers, staff and students share the same environment daily. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN