Political funding should be distinct from state or federal funding

Political funding should be distinct from state or federal funding

9 April, 2008

(The Edge) - It is time to distinguish political funding from state or federal funding, said Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim in response to Tourism Minister Datuk Azalina Othman’s recent decision to terminate her ministry’s memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with the five non-Barisan Nasional-controlled states.

“The most important part is the need to distinguish between money for political activities and money through the consolidated fund of the federal government for the benefit of all states.

“I do not think any ministers can discriminate just because that state has got a different political leadership. No, you cannot. As the menteri besar, I am answerable to all the people of Selangor irrespective of their political aspiration,” said Khalid.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who made a courtesy call on Khalid, said it was ironic that the tourism minister was punishing tourists. Lim hoped the matter would be reconsidered.

“We are curious on why the minister involved wants to take it out on tourists. Why she is taking it out on tourists if she is unhappy with the results of the election?

“This is contrary to the prime minister’s assurance. I met him last week and he said all federal programmes would continue as planned without any changes. This action is not well thought and is not in the interest of the rakyat.

“We hope this can be reconsidered, so that it does not give the wrong impression that this is only being done because of what happened when people made their choice. In this case, it is the tourists that will be affected, and we find it quite ironical,” said Lim.

Last Wednesday, Azalina said tourism MOUs with Opposition-ruled state governments would be terminated due to the change in leadership.

She said this was in line with the termination of tourism action councils that had been chaired by BN’s state executive councillors in charge of tourism in each of the states. Instead, a committee comprising federal-appointed members would take on the role of the councils.

On the selection of the Selangor state assembly speaker, Khalid said he did not want to speculate.

“Of course DAP has their own nomination. The best time to announce the appointment is following the selection of the person at the assembly,” he said.

Sungai Pinang state assemblyman Teng Chang Khim from DAP has been tipped as the favourite for the post.