KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has filed a motion to slash RM20 million from the proposed allocation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation (Apec) 2020 conference.
In a letter to the Dewan Rakyat secretary, the Tuaran MP said while the Federal Expenditure Estimate 2021 saw the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) seeking RM25 million for the event, it ended up being held virtually and costing less.
The RM25 million comprises RM2.5 million for salaries, and the remainder for services and supplies.
“In 2021, the chairman and host of the Apec conference will be New Zealand, and it is also being planned to be held virtually,” said Madius in a statement.
“An allocation of RM5 million is sufficient, while the remaining RM20 million can be channelled to the Sabah Technology Park spending code under the same ministry.”
He added that the funding for the technology park is needed to build infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, port facilities, and water supply and connectivity, so as to generate investment in the state.
“The savings from organising the Apec conference can be channelled to this purpose... so that Sabah becomes more attractive as an investment destination.”
Efforts to attract investment in Sabah’s industrial sector are critical, he said, as industries’ contribution to the state gross domestic product stands at only 7.2%.
Budget 2020 allocated RM300 million for Malaysia to host Apec 2020.
The Budget 2021 debate on Miti is scheduled for tomorrow, with Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali expected to deliver his winding-up speech. – The Vibes, December 2, 2020
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