The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is not involved as an independent panel member in evaluating or making decisions related to government procurement tenders, to preserve its position as an independent enforcement agency and avoid potential conflicts of interest.

This was stated by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof at the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday.

The minister was responding to an inquiry from LegCo member Yang Berhormat Amran bin Haji Maidin.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi said, “The ACB is a law enforcement agency responsible for preventing and combating corruption in Brunei Darussalam. ACB is given full authority under the Prevention of Corruption Act (Chapter 131) to investigate any corruption-related offences, whether in the public or private sector.”

He added that the ACB is also responsible for examining practices and procedures of public bodies identified as having loopholes for corruption and suggesting improvements.

In addition to its investigative function, the ACB also plays an important role in raising public awareness through anti-corruption education programmes.

However, the minister clarified that if the ACB receives a complaint regarding misconduct or errors in the tender procurement process involving an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, it has the jurisdiction to conduct an investigation into the case.

(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)