PARLIAMENT | PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari questioned the inclusion of billions in funds from government-linked entities in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), saying it paints a false picture of the government’s fiscal abilities.
The Pasir Mas MP said the sum - RM120 billion from government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and another RM60 billion through public-private partnerships (PPPs) - was never included in previous national plans.
“This approach raises concerns from the perspective of fiscal accountability and transparency of implementation.
“We are aware that allocations through PPPs or investments by GLCs or GLICs are subject to the priorities of their respective commercial entities.
“It does not guarantee the sustainability of social and critical development projects such as district hospitals, rural schools or rural transport networks.
“Therefore, including these figures in the large 13MP amount can create a perception that is not quite right, or a false perception of the actual government capacity,” he told the Dewan Rakyat in his debate on the 13MP today.
GLC, GLIC support
According to the booklet, investments for national developments will be supported by RM120 billion from GLCs and GLICs through programmes such as GLIC Empowerment and Reform Programme.
“In addition, the implementation of development projects under PPPs will be enhanced by also involving private sector financing projected at RM61 billion during the 13MP period,” it said.
One such project for consideration, Fadhli said, could be a new highway connecting Gerik, Perak, to Jeli, Kelantan.
He said this should be done via the privatisation model using the PPP mechanism.
“The existing route between Gerik and Jeli is the Federal Route 4 (East–West Highway), which is a two-way road without a central division, consuming tolls, many casualties, and the route is also used by roaming elephants.
“This route is prone to accidents, prone to landslides, and requires a travel time of around 2.5 hours,” he said.
‘Elephants, apes, goats’
Sany Hamzan (Harapan-Hulu Langat) stood to ask why this project was not requested when PN helmed the government.
He also took a jab at Fadhli’s recent Facebook post that depicted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Thai acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as animal caricatures.
“Pasir Mas mentioned something related to elephants. It is only apes and goats that he did not mention,” said Sany.
Fadhli then responded, “It is good to name the animals, include that as part of Hulu Langat’s (next debate) speech.
“... Sometimes it suits the person who asked,” he continued, prompting another outburst from Sany, who urged Fadhli to retract his statement, saying it was rude.
However, speaker Johari Abdul put an end to the argument and instructed Sany to sit down.
“No need to answer about goats, monkeys, camels, cows, it is not necessary,” Johari told Fadhli.
Since his initial Facebook post drew public condemnations, Fadhli had deleted the post, refused to apologise, and later republished the caricature as well as threatened defamation lawsuits against several individuals. - Mkini
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