Dr Wee wants Rafizi to retract statement disputing Padu cost


KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) wants Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli to retract a statement that disputed the cost of developing the Central Database Hub (Padu).

Seeking a ruling from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul on Thursday (Nov 7), Dr Wee said the RM85mil cost he cited was reported by several news outlets including PKR’s party organ Suara Keadilan.

Showing printouts of news reports in the Dewan Rakyat, Dr Wee added that a quick check on the Internet showed he had quoted the correct figure.

Dr Wee said Rafizi had disputed the figure, saying a “different officer” had furnished the data.

“I do not wish to refer the minister to Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee, but to clear my name I am asking the Speaker to advise the minister.

"I am not trying to create problems, but I will defend my good name to the very end,” he said.

Rafizi recently said it was untrue that Padu was developed with an allocation of RM85mil, saying that only RM31mil had been spent as of September.

According to Rafizi, the RM31mil included RM800,000 on the servers, firewall and network security, RM4.6mil for platform database encryption and other purposes, and RM6.4mil for cloud services.

The heftiest expenditure on Padu, Rafizi added, was RM19.3mil for nationwide registration operations.

Dr Wee said if the minister was going to stick to his guns, he should provide a detailed explanation to the august House.

Johari then said Dr Wee could file a motion regarding his proposed remedy.

“That will be for the best, as there will be a black-and-white record.

"If I advise him (Rafizi) there won’t be any official record. (Let me know) if you want him to correct the facts or apologise,” Johari said.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Housewife fights for life after being hit by driver avoiding crossing cat
Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds forecast for Malaysia, says MetMalaysia
Dec 11 set for decision on govt's bid to stop PetroSaudi using 1MDB funds
Poco launches its C75 smartphone (priced from RM499) and Poco Pad (from RM1,399) in Malaysia
Baby placed in baby hatch in PJ, one of the many saved by OrphanCare
Malaysia hopes US reinvigorates engagement, particularly in higher education
Bukit Aman denies claims of inaction in document fraud case
Selangor cops bust motorcycle theft ring, four nabbed
Military personnel detained for drug possession
Member of Pahang royalty among five charged with injuring man with knife

Others Also Read