KUALA LUMPUR – Despite objections to controversial local community activist group Penggerak Komuniti Tempatan (PeKT), the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s RM3.2 billion Budget 2021 allocation has been passed at the committee stage.
Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said initially called a voice vote on the budget, but it was opposed to by more than 15 MPs.
She then called for bloc voting, which saw the government getting 106 votes in support and 96 against. Eighteen lawmakers were absent.
Earlier, a motion was discussed to oppose the RM8.6 million allocated to the PeKT initiative. It was defeated in a voice vote.
Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin (PH-Ampang) defended PeKT, saying local communities need leaders to watch over them.
“The PeKT initiative was established to help communities increase their quality of life, so that they can look after themselves.”
However, opposition MPs said the appointment of these community leaders will be tarnished by political appointments.
Fahmi Fadzil (PH-Lembah Pantai) asked Zuraida why 101 out of the 157 PeKT appointees were from Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s party, Bersatu. – The Vibes, December 9, 2020
