[UPDATED] 30 cancelled projects won’t have domino effect on economy: Tok Pa

KUALA LUMPUR – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has assured that the 30 cancelled government projects would not have a “domino effect” on the economy.

The Jeli MP reiterated that the projects, valued at RM100 million, have not started and no open tenders have been advertised.

He briefly explained that the 30 cancelled projects were few compared with some 7,000 other approved government development projects

“There will not be any concern of a domino effect on the economy.

“Projects that have received their LOA (letters of agreement), for example, will proceed,” he told the press after the launch of Google’s Gemilang at its headquarters here today.

Earlier, Mustapa told the Dewan Rakyat that the postponed projects will not include priority projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit Line, the Pan Borneo Highway, and East Coast Rail Link.

“Only 30 projects, which involve the cost of RM100 million, will be postponed. It’s only a small amount.

“There will be an engagement session held by the Economic Planning Unit, Finance Ministry, and Public Works Department with all the ministries to discuss measures, if need be, to ensure the well-being of the people.

“These are all works in progress. The engagement period will be continued next week,” said Mustapa to a query posed by Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil during Question Time.

Mustapa also said the RM100 million cost of a project is a small sum compared to the RM75 billion development budget earmarked for this year.

When pressed further on whether the government is considering cutting the wages and allowances of high-ranking public servants, including cabinet members, Mustapa said the matters have yet to come to their attention.

“So far the issue has not been brought up (in cabinet meetings),” he said. – The Vibes, July 21, 2022