Defence spending takes a backseat to saving TH, Felda - Mat Sabu
Putrajaya's defence spending, as with all government expenses, is taking a back seat in view of efforts to first save ailing bumiputera institutions Lembaga Tabung Haji and Felda, says Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.
Mohamad said yesterday that while his ministry’s allocated expenditure under Budget 2019 remains untouched other than for operations – although it still receives supplementary finances – spending on defence assets will only be done as necessary...
Putrajaya's defence spending, as with all government expenses, is taking a back seat in view of efforts to first save ailing bumiputera institutions Lembaga Tabung Haji and Felda, says Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.
Mohamad said yesterday that while his ministry’s allocated expenditure under Budget 2019 remains untouched other than for operations – although it still receives supplementary finances – spending on defence assets will only be done as necessary.
"(Asset purchases) are based on necessity and the country's financial capability," he said during a group interview in the Defence Ministry.
"A lot of money is being used to save destroyed institutions – Tabung Haji and Felda – even though the Pakatan Harapan government is accused of not caring about bumiputera issues.
"If (these institutions) are not saved, there will be an economic disaster – not just for Tabung Haji and Felda, but also for Malaysia."
Putrajaya has allocated RM24.1 billion to rescue the two institutions – RM6.3 billion for Felda, and another RM17.8 billion on Tabung Haji.
It said that this is a result of serious mismanagement of both institutions under BN rule.
Fast interceptor boats
Nonetheless, Mohamad said the Defence Ministry has still been able to allocate over RM79 million for RM500 Hari Raya Aidilfitri aid to veterans in the bottom 40 percent (B40) income group.
He added that his ministry also received a supplementary budget for the purchase of fast interceptor craft, which still in progress.
The defence minister also noted that he expects the government's finances to improve in due time, and said that foreign investments have been encouraging.
As for ministry projects put on hold due to investigations in alleged wrongdoings, he said these are expected to resume by July.
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