PARLIAMENT | Two opposition lawmakers have questioned why Budget 2021 allocations for overseas travel for the Rural Development Ministry were raised amidst travel restrictions in the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the government’s estimated federal expenditure for next year, RM450,000 in taxpayers’ money has been allocated under the “on duty abroad” category for unspecified “special programmes” by the ministry.
This is RM50,000 more than 2020’s allocation.
Malaysia closed its international borders in March 2020 and has yet to allow citizens to travel abroad.
Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (Harapan-Hulu Langat) questioned the hike this afternoon during the ministry’s turn for the committee-stage budget debate.
“We are in the Covid-19 situation now, I don’t see any overseas trips (happening).
“Why was this allocation increased from last year’s?” he asked.
His Amanah comrade Mahfuz Omar (Harapan-Pokok Sena) similarly questioned the allocation.
“I request for an explanation of whether one is considered to have boarded an aeroplane when participating in online discussions?
“I think this should not happen. I seek an explanation over what was said by my friend from Hulu Langat,” he said.
Rural Development Minister Abd Latiff Ahmad (photo, above) did not address these questions from Hasanuddin and Mahfuz during his winding-up speech.
He did, however, promise to provide additional answers in writing to MPs who participated in debating the ministry’s allocations.
[More to follow] - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.