Tenders to possibly be selected by points system - Mario Cutajar

A points system to select winning tenders was being considered, under new regulations to the public procurement regulations, according to Mario Cutajar, principal permanent secretary.

Cutajar, who was addressing a press briefing on new public procurement regulations, said this would complement a new strategy that would result in tenders being awarded on merit and not simply on price.

He said a working group had been set up to revisit a number of regulations in agreement with the Auditor General's office, in relation to issues like the fleet of government cars, handling of petty cash, inventory and foreign travel.

Cutajar said this was yet another part of a two-year exercise to reduce bureaucracy while maintaining accountability throughout the process.

He said a lot of emphasis was being paid to the ease of doing business in Malta, and new regulations were drawn up on the co-ordination of inspections, especially in the case of small businesses.

"There were over 72,000 inspections last year we aim to promote inspections as a certificate of compliance for businesses, instead of a hindrance," he said.

Cutajar said that the public service management code had also been revised and reduced by 25%.

Under new regulations, ministries were now establishing and implementing their own human resources plans, instead of having one office having to approve and implement each plan.