DATUK Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) will get answers on why some Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) have been delayed for several years.
This is after MPs from Tanah Merah, Sik, Lumut, Kinabatangan and Lawas quizzed the Deputy Prime Minister on the construction status of these boarding schools in their respective constituencies.
“We will negotiate (this with Finance Ministry) so that all four MRSM will be built,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister.
“Not forgetting my friend from Lumut, we will make sure that a MRSM can be established there,” Ahmad Zahid said in his winding up speech during debates on the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term-review.
Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) said the MRSM in his constituency was supposed to be completed at the same time as the one in Bagan Datuk, which is Ahmad Zahid’s constituency.
“The Bagan Datuk one has been completed but the one in Tanah Merah has yet to be completed,” said Ikmal Hisham.
“When can it be completed? I hope it will be a reality. If it is completed, maybe Tanah Merah will go to Barisan Nasional?” Ikmal added.
This was followed by similar questions from Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) and Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN-Lumut).
Ahmad Zahid said the allocation for the Bagan Datuk school was approved by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“If our friends from the other side return to us faster... it will be easier...we will expedite it,” Ahmad Zahid said in jest.
Ahmad Zahid said the initial allocation for the Tanah Merah campus was RM100mil but this has since increased to RM126.86mil while for Sik, the initial allocation was RM99.4mil but the cost has since increased to RM121.04mil.
“As for Lumut, the land has been set aside for the MRSM,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the government will consider a suggestion from Dr Hajah Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) on setting up a Commission for Orang Asal (natives) which will consolidate the affairs of Peninsula Orang Asli as well as Sarawak and Sabah natives under one roof.
