According to a reliable source, an internal investigation found that elements of corruption and abuse of power existed in the application and approval of the tender.

The source said the tender for the supply of gymnastics equipment for the SEA Games, which was closed in December last year, was cancelled and a new tender opened through the Malaysia Stadium Corporation a month later.

“…the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) had already appointed the Malaysian Resources Corp Berhad (MRCB) to handle all infrastructure and facilities for the SEA Games,” he told Bernama.

The source said when a tender was opened, only the specifications of the required equipment was stated, not the desired brands.

“The question now is why the services of MRCB were not utilised for the supply of equipment for gymnastics events when the company had already been appointed to handle all infrastructure and facilities for the SEA Games?

“In this regard, it is believed that the Bill of Quantities issued to tenderers has stated the desired brands, which could lead to non-compliance with tender conditions,” he said.

The source believed that it was done to enable the company with vested interests to quote a lower price compared to other companies, so that it would be chosen.

“This matter must be viewed seriously and immediate action should be taken before other individuals begin abusing their power to further their personal interests.

“Malaysia will host the 6th SEA Games this year and incidents of this kind are indeed worrying as it can tarnish the image of the national sports industry,” he added.

On Feb 9, the KBS stressed that news reports about the flaw in its tender process for the supply of gymnastics equipment for the 2017 SEA Games were inaccurate.