Annuar said the cancellation was made by the finance ministry, adding that he did not have the details behind the decision.

He pointed out that the finance ministry had the prerogative to make the final call on tenders above a certain amount, including for the devices under the Peranti Siswa programme.

“So, after the Treasury looked into the details, there were certain things that it felt should be redone,” he told reporters at the sidelines of an event in Kuala Lumpur.

Annuar said a new tender was called recently and a firm had been shortlisted. However, the finance ministry would make the final decision.

He said this would, however, result in a delay in the distribution of the devices, adding that he had initially hoped to start giving out the tablets in June.

Now, he expects the government to begin distributing the devices around the middle of July.

“But this second round (of evaluation) will be done online, and it will be faster. So, I hope the finance ministry can make their decision by mid-June.

“Because it will take some time for the devices to be delivered. Maybe around 30 to 45 days before it’s shipped.”

The Ketereh MP cited the large number of devices involved, more than 100,000 units, and the logistics in distributing them to more than 200 universities across the country.

“So I hope the tendering process will be completed as soon as possible,” said Annuar.

The government introduced the Peranti Siswa programme under Budget 2022. It aims to provide tablets to deserving students in public and private universities, including polytechnics, community and private colleges.

Some 400,000 students are eligible to receive the tablets.