KUALA LUMPUR, The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has urged the government to quickly resolve the controversy over the huge RM85.5 million allocations for the information ministry’s Special Affairs Department (JASA), which has received much contention from policymakers and politicians from both sides of the divide since its announcement in Budget 2021.
Its President, Tan Sri T.C Goh proposed that this issue be resolved through consultation with policymakers from both sides of the divide, just like in the drafting of Budget 2021, before it was tabled in the Parliament, recently. Furthermore, the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had yesterday said the government was considering inviting the opposition to attend the weekly meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), as well as the daily meeting on Covid-19.
He said, whether the issue involved is about reactivation of JASA, or about its huge allocation, there are essentially significant issues of national interests and of great concern to the people.
“Hence, it should be properly and transparently addressed. And if necessary, it should be discussed in Parliament,” he stressed.
In a statement issued today, Goh who is also the President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) underscored that, amidst an unprecedented challenge posed by the devastating pandemic and a tight national finance, the government should be more discerning and prudent in its decision making, when introducing a host of humanitarian aids and economic stimulus packages, besides making sure that it is done in a transparent manner, especially in consultation with policymakers from both sides of the divide.
He also opined that the government owes the people a good explanation on the justification to revive JASA which was dissolved in 2018.
“Likewise, the government should also explain its huge allocation for JASA,” he said.
While commending the government for getting policymakers from both sides of the divide involved in the drafting of Budget 2021, he hoped such a practice could be adopted as a ‘noble tradition’ for the nation to better promote democracy.
“We hope this JASA controversy could be promptly resolved in the spirit of consultation with policymakers from both sides of the divide. We believe this is also the wish of the people,” he said.
He also hoped that this issue would not be politicized by any quarters, and be properly resolved in a democratic, transparent and professional manner.-pr/BNN
