Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong has accepted a debate with DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng on the cabotage policy set for Nov 2.
Taking to social media, Wee said the date was proposed by TV3 and reiterated that he will not shy away from the debate.
"If you want to debate with me, I'm fine. From the beginning, I am okay with it. As I have said so before, just choose any date after the tabling of Budget 2022.
"A TV3 producer contacted my office and proposed Nov 2. I replied 'OK' straightaway," he said.
Wee also shared screenshots on Facebook of what looked like a WhatsApp group conversation purportedly between the two of them and Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun.
He accused Lim of making up the conversation and said this proves the Bagan MP's evil intentions.
"Why would I want to create this WhatsApp group? Don't I have other work? I appeal to Lim to calm down and stop such slander. This is low class and unprofessional," he said.
He also said Lim could propose another date if the current one is unsuitable.
Previously, while speaking in the Dewan Rakyat during Minister's Question Time on Sept 30, Wee challenged Lim to a debate on the cabotage policy.
The challenge came after Lim asked Wee if the policy for submarine cable repair works caused several tech giants to skip Malaysia in their plans to install undersea cables to boost internet connectivity in the region.
On Nov 13 last year, Wee signed a federal gazette revoking a cabotage exemption to foreign ships involved in the repair of submarine cables.
The cabotage exemption was previously granted during the Pakatan Harapan federal administration.
Tech giants have written to the government multiple times recently to restore the exemption to expedite the repair of internet cables - which connect Malaysia to the global internet network.
Wee maintains the cabotage policy will help develop local industry while the tech giants have raised concerns of a monopoly. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.