Computer sets installed for all 222 MPs cost RM11,916 each

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/20/parliament/5147756&sec=parliament

(20/11/2009)

The new computer sets installed for MPs in the Dewan Rakyat cost RM11,916 each. In a written reply to Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz said the touch screen computers cost RM11,233 each, including installation. An additional RM320 was paid for the keyboard, mouse and tilting bracket while an 80GB hard disk cost RM363. The computers were installed on Oct 19 for all 222 MPs, which brought the total bill to more than RM2.6mil.

At the Parliament lobby, Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) said the cost of the computers was exorbitant and handed out price lists from computer shops to prove his point. “The 80GB hard disk was phased out early this year. You can get a 160GB hard disk for RM150. “The keyboard and mouse are not branded and made in China. A Microsoft keyboard and mouse combo pack costs only RM55,” he said. Lim said Parliament could have instead invested in a simple laptop for MPs, which would cost only RM2,000 per unit.
Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching) said it boiled down to whether a proper tender was called for the purchase or if the procurement was done through direct negotiations without proper comparison of prices.