BANGI: False claims are among the aspects of the investigation into the RM4.07bil 1BestariNet service tender involving the Education Ministry, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner confirmed that investigations are centred on deliverables for the Bestari online virtual learning system involving some 8,000 schools nationwide.
“There were instances where the supply was said to have been made when in fact, it was not done.
“We have to look into this as under the law, if claims are made and supply is not furnished, in principle this is a crime,” he told reporters after the launching of the 3rd National Research Conference on Governance, Integrity and Anti Corruption here on Thursday (Sept 26).
He said the investigation will have to determine if the schools were supplied with the deliverables as specified under the contract.
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He added that claims were made following the signing of the contract to implement the 1BestariNet project.
The 1BestariNet project was launched by the government in 2011 with YTL Communications Sdn Bhd engaged to provide high-speed internet access to schools involving a virtual learning system for students.
The project included implementing the Frog Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a cloud-based learning platform.
However, the project ran into problems.
Azam said the MACC probe of 1BestariNet would take time to complete as it involves investigators visiting the schools involved to determine if the required data had been supplied to them.
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Besides this angle, Azam said the MACC is also looking at the quality of services provided to schools under the project and whether or not there was good governance observed.
Asked if elements of corruption had been detected yet, Azam said it was too early to comment.
“I cannot make any conclusions when investigations are ongoing as it would not be fair to the parties involved,” he said.
On Sept 4, YTL Power International Bhd subsidiary YTL Communications said it was giving its full cooperation to the MACC over the 1BestariNet project.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group clarified that 1BestariNet was awarded to YTL Communications in 2011 by the Education Ministry through an open tender process involving 19 companies.
