Maszlee said the PM had backed the decision at a Cabinet meeting. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon

PUTRAJAYA, June 21 — The Cabinet has banned ministers and deputy ministers from issuing support letters for any tenders and proposals, Education Minister Maszlee Malik revealed today.

“Among the decisions made by the Cabinet, which the prime minister is supposed to announce later, are ministers and deputy ministers will not be allowed any longer to release support letters for any tenders and proposals. This is to enable good administration.

“This kind of practice was widespread before, resulting in a lot of power abuse,” Maszlee told the press today.

Maszlee said that for “genuine cases”, especially those which do not involve financial implications, due consideration would be given.

“For genuine cases, cases where there is a desperate need, we will consider, but if it’s just something to do with recommending one’s kin and such, we don’t encourage that, especially this new government.

“If it reaches me, I am sorry, but that is not a criterion I will take into consideration,” Maszlee added.

He said that cases where a lawmaker has to write recommendation letters for serious issues, such as those concerning the welfare of their constituents or healthcare, were fine.