THE Dewan Rakyat passed the Transport Ministry’s budget by a vote of 109 to 94, while 17 MPs were absent, after minister Dr Wee Ka Siong declined to address the cabotage issue.

The opposition, led by Wee’s predecessor Anthony Loke (Seremban-PH) asked for a division vote after Wee did not answer his questions on deep sea cable repair vessels.

Recently, Wee revoked the cabotage exemption for foreign vessels to conduct undersea cable repairs in Malaysian waters.

The exemption was introduced by the Pakatan Harapan government in April last year to reduce delays in repairs.

Wee’s decision has a negative impact on Malaysia’s efforts to attract telecommunication and internet investment, the opposition has argued.

Tech giants such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Malaysia Internet Exchange have also voiced their concerns that it would affect Malaysia’s internet speed and quality.

Loke pointed out that many agencies and many ministries did not agree with the Transport Ministry’s decision. 

“Gombak (Mohamed Azmin Ali) who is in this chamber, I think he doesn’t agree too.  Indera Mahkota (Saifuddin Abdullah) also does not agree. Rembau (Khairy Jamaluddin) from the Science and Technology Ministry also does not agree.

“So why is Ayer Hitam (Wee) insisting on maintaining this stance, one that directly harms the country? The decision seems to protect only one company, not the interests of the country,” Loke said. – December 7, 2020.