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Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
DUN Speaker dismisses question on Premier, Cabinet's travel expenses
Mohamad Asfia stated that the costs involved were merely a 'pittance' and 'trivial' compared to the billions in foreign investments the state has successfully attracted. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 26): State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar has dismissed a question concerning the overseas travel expenses of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his Cabinet ministers. In delivering his ruling, Mohamad Asfia stated that the costs involved were merely a 'pittance' and 'trivial' compared to the billions in foreign investments the state has successfully attracted. In his proclamation, the Speaker cited Standing Orders 20(3), 20(4), and 20(6) to disallow the question submitted by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, as well as earlier remarks raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen. He ruled that the question was not admissible as it had either been previously declined, was prejudicial to the proceedings of the Dewan, or was deemed against public interests. He defended the necessity of official overseas travel by state leaders, arguing that the expenditure was justified by the outcomes achieved. 'The few millions you spend on travelling become pittance and trivial compared with the billions, multi-billions that Sarawak achieved,' he said. Mohamad Asfia further stressed that international engagements such as inspecting aircraft in France or infrastructure in Qatar could not be conducted online. 'If you do this transaction by email or online or Facebook, it will be catastrophic. The loses to Sarawak will be in billions,' he stated. He argued that overseas engagements were crucial to Sarawak's rapid development and investment inflow, highlighting that the state's revenue had increased from RM10.6 billion in 2020 to RM14.18 billion in 2024. 'Investment from overseas and foreign investments like Niagara Falls poured into Sarawak … RM54.35 billion. This is unprecedented in the entire history of Sarawak or any state in the nation,' he said. He also justified such expenditures by offering hypothetical scenarios saying those wanting to purchase an Airbus aeroplane would have to travel to France to verify the aircraft. 'You do not go alone. You cannot use email and online for this airport and seaport or the purchase of the latest aircraft from France,' he stressed. Warning against attempts to question the state's development strategies, Mohamad Asfia said such scrutiny could 'impede and jeopardise Sarawak's economic miracle and expansionist programme'. 'You do not question and impede Sarawak progress, economic miracle, and so forth. Question is disallowed,' he reiterated. Yong's question requesting a breakdown of overseas travel expenses incurred over the past five years was rejected on the first day of the DUN Sitting on May 19. Subsequently, during a press conference on May 23, Chong had criticised the decision to reject Yong's question. lead Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar overseas travel expenses
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Portsim bolsters Malaysia's presence in China's high-value palm oil market
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's strategic presence in China's high-value palm oil market has been significantly bolstered by the work of the Palm Oil Research and Technical Service Institute of Malaysia (Portsim) in Shanghai. Plantation and Commodities Ministry said Portsim is a vital institution that continues to shape the future of palm oil trade through science, innovation and bilateral cooperation. Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration dinner of Portsim on Sunday evening at the Qiantan Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin highlighted Portsim's critical role as a catalyst for science-driven economic diplomacy. He said over the past two decades, Portsim has contributed meaningfully to the sustainable growth and diversification of Malaysian palm oil exports to China. "Malaysia's investment in research, development, and commercialisation (R&D&C) through Portsim has produced concrete outcomes - not only in terms of boosting export value, but also in reinforcing the image of Malaysian palm oil as a high-quality, reliable raw material for various downstream industries in China," he said in a statement today. R&D&C activities spearheaded by Portsim directly contributed to export earnings worth RM357.98 million in 2024. Since its establishment in 2005, the institute has played a central role in catalysing palm oil innovation through partnerships with Chinese universities, research institutions, and private enterprises. Among its notable contributions are the new formulation of palm-based products for food, oleochemical, and animal feed applications tailored to the Chinese market; the development of new product innovations; and the provision of technical support to local industries. Chan said Portsim has been instrumental in expanding the use of Malaysian palm oil in key consumer segments such as fast food, bakery, soaps and detergents, cosmetics, and animal feed and pet food. "Its technical advisory services have enhanced industry confidence in Malaysian palm oil as a premium, versatile input with a broad range of applications across food and non-food sectors. "In 2024 alone, Malaysia exported nearly RM10.6 billion worth of palm oil products to
