THE government will not be forking out a single sen on the ‘flying car’ project which will be funded by private entities, said Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof.

The Alor Gajah MP said the investment for the project will come from the private sector, and dismissed Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin’s claims that a RM8 million budget has been allocated to  build the car.

“It is strictly a private initiative. How can the public sector put in money where there is no regulation?

“There is no plan for the government to build the flying car. We are supporting private initiatives. So we have to create an environment where the private sector will invest and will prime up the economy,” he told reporters in the Parliament lobby today.

Redzuan said the scale model for the car was being developed in Japan by Malaysians.

“We develop an ecosystem and laws as you can’t just fly a car from the airport or a helipad as you wish. Hence the necessary laws should be developed,” he said.

Discussions to draft the relevant laws have started and that discussions on developing the mechanism will be held with parties such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.

Redzuan said the flying car will not be available for public use in the short term, and may only be used for transportation purposes among others.

He said requirements such as insurance and licensing will also be enforced.

On the flak the government has been receiving over the project, Redzuan said that this was normal and the focus should be on developing the skills of Malaysians.

On whether Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was satisfied with the prototype, the minister said the prime minister has always been open to the development of the project.

“It was him who suggested that laws are put in place to regulate the industry,” said Redzuan.

On the update of the third national car, he said the government is hoping to conclude its discussion with the project partner in April.

Asked on the nationality of the project partner, he said they will be from the East.

“We have other alternatives as well. Wait for the PM to announce,” he said. – March 28, 2019.