Ahmad Shabery raps Lim Lip Eng for not understanding statehood

Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek today rapped an opposition Member of Parliament for his shallow understanding of statehood and current issues.

Ahmad Shabery had corrected a statement by Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) when Lim asked the government to stress on National Day which is celebrated on Sept 16, when submitting his supplementary question, during a question-and-answer session in Dewan Rakyat here.

"I feel the honourable Member of Parliament does not understand what is Merdeka Day and National Day. I feel sad. We have Merdeka Day celebration and Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16.

"Until now, there are still honourable Members of Parliament who are still confused which is Merdeka Day and which is Malaysia Day. It reflects the views and attitudes of members of the elected representatives from your party," he said.

Lim, in another supplementary question, asked Ahmad Shabery whether the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would be imposed on the Merdeka Day celebration next year.

The question also drew criticism from Ahmad Shabery who asked Lim on how to claim GST payment from the public who wanted to take part in the celebration at Dataran Merdeka.

"I feel the honourable Member of Parliament seriously lacks understanding on the issues of statehood and GST," he said.

In his original reply, Ahmad Shabery said the cost of celebrating Merdeka Day was RM13.9 million in 2010, RM14.1 million (2011), RM20 million (2012 and 2013) and RM17 million (2014).

He said 400,000 to 500,000 people had taken part in events held during the celebration this year while private sector sponsorship was RM10 million.

He also refuted an allegation by Lim at the relatively lower expenditure this year, citing the government wanted to tone down the celebration following the incidents involving two Malaysia Airlines aircraft in March and July.

He explained that the allocation for Merdeka Day celebration this year was decided last year, with no inkling the MH370 and MH17 incidents would happen.

He said the merriment of the celebration could be had without incurring additional costs from the government, for example, via contributions and the support of the private sector.

This included private theatre operators initiative since last year to play the 'Negaraku' for the duration of the celebration.

"I find many back this matter. But it was criticised by the honourable DAP member from Kuching (Chong Chieng Jen)," he said, referring to the Twitter statement of Chong on Sept 16 which criticised the initiative as an "absolute disgrace and ridiculous".

He said the government also practiced prudent spending in celebrating important national patriotic days.

Ahmad Shabery also told the Dewan Rakyat that the government would retain the tradition of celebrating several major events of Merdeka Day.

"For example, the parade at Dataran Merdeka, because it has its history. Dataran Merdeka is not where we hold demonstrations but it is a noble place for celebrating independence. It is among the matters which has been set," he added.