KUALA LUMPUR: A DAP MP has defended transport minister Loke Siew Fook following criticism from both government and opposition lawmakers over the initiative to sell special vehicle registration numbers.
Howard Lee (PH-Ipoh Timor) said the proceeds from the number plate sales by the transport ministry were used to assist taxi and school bus drivers.
Speaking during the debate on the 2027 budget in the Dewan Rakyat, he slammed those questioning the initiative's benefits, stressing that the revenue is channelled back to the people and not used for the benefit of politicians.
Lee was responding to a question from Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) regarding the source of the RM53 million funding allocated to assist 53,000 taxi, rental car and school bus drivers nationwide.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling the 2027 budget on Friday, announced a one-off RM1,000 special assistance for 38,000 taxi and rental car drivers as well as 15,000 school bus drivers, following the sale of the special “H” series registration numbers.
Loke announced today that disbursement of the assistance will begin on Wednesday, although the budget has yet to be passed, drawing criticism from the opposition.
Meanwhile, RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) claimed that government lawmakers were quietly conspiring with the opposition to bring down the Anwar administration.
"I am worried that there are quarters on this side quietly planning with the other side to topple the government," he said without naming anyone.
Rayer also warned that the people might not enjoy the various initiatives announced under the budget if the Anwar-led government falls.