FINANCE Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has failed to keep his promise in Parliament on Dec 17 to continue with the iconic Penang ferry services following the announcement of its termination by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Seong.
“Tengku Zafrul has committed the cardinal sin for ministers by wilfully misleading the Parliament, a transgression that can be punished by Parliament’s Committee of Privileges, “said former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng in a media statement issued on Boxing Day (Dec 26).
By breaking his promise so readily in Parliament, Tengku Zafrul has not only damaged his credibility but also jeopardised the country’s international reputation by being seen as a “lightweight” with no influence on Government policy, the Bagan MP pointed out.
“As the main architect and principal spokesperson of Malaysia’s Economic Policy, a Finance Minister’s credibility is of utmost importance to retain both public trust and inspire confidence amongst investors and the business community, that the country means what it says and says what it means,” he noted.
Lim questioned how the country could restore its sovereign credit ratings, following Fitch Ratings’ downgrade from A- to BBB+.
Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, is calling for Tengku Zafrul to enlighten Penangites by publicly clarifying the confusing situation which can have serious repercussions beyond merely retaining the iconic Penang ferry services.
On Dec 20, Lim called on Wee to direct his ministry to facilitate the continuation of Penang’s 126-year-old ferry service and break his silence on the matter.
He had pointed out that Wee as the minister should immediately instruct stakeholders in the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) to halt their preparations of terminating the ferry service especially after approval for its continuation has been given by the Finance Ministry. – Dec 27, 2020
