He said the finance ministry holds the final authority in selecting the company, Bernama reported.

However, he added, the works ministry will conduct preliminary reviews and hold discussions with the Sabah public works department (JKR) on the list of companies shortlisted.

“When we receive the list from Sabah JKR, we review it and provide our input before it is sent to the finance ministry,” he was quoted as saying.

“The finance ministry then makes its decision and we direct Sabah JKR to issue letters of acceptance to those selected.”

Nanta was commenting on an issue raised in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, where several MPs had questioned finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan on why part of the Pan Borneo project had been awarded to a company which they claimed had not been evaluated.

They urged the finance ministry to revoke the contract awarded to the company.

Nanta went on to say that all parties involved adhered to the set procedures throughout the process, and the works ministry found no issues in the tender process.

“We went through the prescribed procedure, and there were no problems. However, we don’t have to follow Sabah JKR’s list because the finance ministry has the absolute authority to decide (on the matter),” he said.