The Star | March 25, 2011 | Leong Hung Yee
PETALING JAYA: Both Axiata Group Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) have barred Alcatel-Lucent from participating in tenders, contracts or joint ventures for a year following the call from Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“Alcatel-Lucent welcomes the MACC recommendation and is committed to earning back our customers’ trust,” it said in a statement in response to the 12-month suspension.
Axiata said the suspension runs for 12 months from Feb 18 while TM’s suspension was effective Jan 5.
Analysts said the probe set up by TM to investigate the improper payment and suspension was good for investors as well in the efforts to improve corporate governance.
“The suspension will send a strong message that graft is not tolerated here,” an analyst said, adding that the move would safeguard foreign perception and demonstrate that the Government took such allegations seriously in its efforts to promote foreign direct investments.
Another analyst said it would also strengthen and reinforce internal procurement policies and uphold the integrity of dealings with equipment vendors.
However, some are saying that it was unfair that only Alcatel-Lucent was penalised in this situation. Analysts believe the call made by MACC was the first move and would probably shed more light with regard to allegations that TM employees received payments from Alcated-Lucent.
TM said the actions or solutions with regard to the alleged improper payments received by TM employees were pending the outcome of the MACC investigation.
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