KUCHING: All contractors and suppliers involved in projects under the Defence Ministry can expect ‘rewards’ for their loyalty to the government during times of economic crisis.
According to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, every country’s economy has a cycle and as Malaysia goes through a difficult period, project contractors and suppliers must understand what the government needs from them.
“What contractors and suppliers should do now is not to be greedy in gaining too much profit, to the extent that it compromises the quality of their (contractors) workmanship. They (suppliers) should also not overcharge in terms of supply of raw materials,” he said after handing over keys to new houses built under 1Malaysia Veterans Home Repair programme to four recipients at a simple ceremony in Kampung Sikog near here yesterday.
Hishammuddin also highlighted the need for the government to recognise and acknowledge which contractors and suppliers were really ‘with the government’.
“I am optimistic that this period of economic contraction period would end, and the country would go through an expansion (growth) soon. It is during that time then the government would remember the contractors and suppliers who are always on its side.
“Equally important is that those who carry out project works for the government have a sense of social responsibility — a quality that the government sees as a trait of very good contractors and suppliers.”
Hishammuddin said among the projects under his ministry that needed the support of good contractors and suppliers were Jiwa Murni and 1Malaysia Veteran Home Repair Programme — both being implemented under the National Blue Ocean Strategy.
On the quality of new units built and repaired under 1Malaysia Veteran Home Repair Programme, the minister said he was satisfied by the workmanship of those involved.
“I thank the Armed Forces and their civil engineers for the lovely work that they have done, like completing the houses for the four recipients. All they need are raw materials and as soon as they receive these, all works could be carried out immediately,” he said.
Meanwhile Assistant Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, who was also present at the ceremony, was delighted by the works carried out by the Armed Forces in his area.
The Bengoh assemblyman further called on all contractors and suppliers involved in social projects should follow the example of the Armed Forces in carrying out their Jiwa Murni and 1Malaysia Veteran Home Repair projects.