By JAMES LEONG
KUALA LUMPUR: Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee has made significant statements in Parliament this week on three distinct issues, advocating for major reforms in national procurement, reaffirming Sabah’s autonomy, and demanding urgent action against school bullying.
Vivian voiced conditional support for the National Procurement Bill 2025, insisting it must ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness for Sabah and Sarawak.
Citing over 400 delayed or problematic projects in Sabah, including the Pan Borneo Highway’s WP33 package and the long-stalled Libaran Bypass and Tamparuli–Sandakan bridge, she outlined five critical demands, namely to end unchecked ministerial power with a Procurement Board review for high-value contracts; clearly define the Finance Minister’s exemption powers; ensure fair treatment for Sabah & Sarawak via state-level procurement boards; strictly regulate Variation Orders (VO) and Extensions of Time (EOT); and unify the e-Procurement platform for all government agencies.
She asserted the law must deliver real change to ensure public funds serve the people.
Separately, Vivian clarified that the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA) does not apply to Sabah. She emphasized that the state retains full autonomy over land, housing, and local government, as guaranteed by Article 95E of the Federal Constitution. The URA, intended for peninsular cities, includes strict consent requirements for redevelopment projects.
Finally, Vivian called for a comprehensive overhaul of the national anti-bullying system, citing the tragic death of 13-year-old student Zara Qairina Mahathir and other recent incidents as evidence of systemic failure.
Vivian proposed five institutional reforms, namely automatic expulsion and mandatory rehabilitation for bullies; an independent, cross-departmental investigation panel; comprehensive anti-bullying legislation; a safe reporting portal with whistleblower protection; and regular mental health screenings and mandatory teacher training.
Vivian stressed that only thorough reform and cooperation can make schools safe again for all children.
