KUALA LUMPUR – Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong (Ayer Hitam-BN) is not backing down from a debate with Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-PH) on the cabotage exemption policy, saying details can be expected soon.
This message was relayed by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun after Lim again raised the matter in the lower house today.
“I did promise that I will follow up on the issue, and have brought the matter to the minister’s attention, and he has given his feedback,” said Azhar this morning.
“He said he will wait and will not run. The minister said once the government finalises the cabotage policy by this month, he will arrange for an appropriate date for the debate.”
He said Wee requested that the discussion be held in the national language and broadcast on television.
Earlier, Lim asked for an update on the challenge issued last week, and proposed that the debate be held on October 23, with the logistics to be managed by Ong Kian Ming (Bangi-PH).
“Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chairman Datuk Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff has also resigned from his post because he said he doesn’t want to be a yes-man. So, I hope this debate can take place.”
Rais said he is stepping down from the chairmanship in a statement yesterday, days after he was criticised by maritime industry associations for “attacking” Wee over the latter’s stand on the cabotage issue, which saw the reinstatement of the exemption policy for submarine cable repairs.
Rais was appointed MDEC chair in June.
The challenge to a debate on the policy was issued by Wee on September 30, and Lim accepted. – The Vibes, October 7, 2021
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