THERE is no mention of a flying car project in the national automotive policy, said Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming.

He said as far as the policy’s review is concerned, in terms of the national car project, the flying vehicle is not mentioned.

“There is no separate funding for the development of a flying vehicle,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

“I think this is something that needs to be made clear.”

Ong was responding to Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin’s tweet, which highlighted the words “flying vehicle” and was accompanied by a screenshot of the ongoing policy review.

“In the presentation, there is a disclaimer that states the document is a draft and provided for discussions only,” said the deputy minister.

“The discussions are subject to change and do not commit the government.”

He said the flying vehicle project was floated for the purpose of discussing standards and specifications.

“It is not because we are saying we are going to build flying vehicles.

“It is to address the need for standards and regulations should there be a demand for the application of such technology by the automotive industry in the future.”

It is unfortunate that Khairy highlighted a small reference in the policy review instead of focusing on the larger challenge of developing the automotive industry, he said.

“The ministry is open to suggestions from Khairy for the automotive sector.” – March 27, 2019.