Subsidy cut funds used for R&D, claims Rafizi

Funds from subsidy cuts are being used for research and development (R&D) efforts instead of saving the nation, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) claimed today. Party strategy director Rafizi Ramli said the government has spent more than RM1 billion over five years but only 20 successful R&D studies were commercialised. He said, between 2009 and 2013, RM1.152 billion was spent in R&D grants – RM900 million for STI (ScienceFund, Technofund, CIF, Human Capital Development Fund), RM246 million for the Commercialisation of R&D Fund (CDRF) and RM6 million for the Technology Acquisition Fund (TAF). "RM1.152 billion is not a small amount. This certainly will create controversy if not given a fair turn on which the Barisan Nasional (BN) continues to cut subsidies to save on expenses, while the amount saved is spent on R&D grants," he told a press conference at PKR headquarters ,Tuesday. He was commenting on the 2013 Auditor General's Report which focused on management performance Green Technology finance scheme under the auspices of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI). Rafizi also claimed that one of the decisions by MOSTI which involved a large amount of money had raised questions when it was interfered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. "It creates questions on how these funds are actually used. "Is it true that it is fully utilised for the purpose of R&D commercialisation or for other purposes?" he asked. In the meantime, the Pandan MP said in two weeks he would reveal some misuse of R&D funds to assist the individuals involved. He added that with the exposure, he hoped it would open people's eyes and provisions that grant funds can be reviewed as we are being faced with rising prices.