Debate on DSAT fees hike voted down

A proposal by lawmaker Leong Veng Chai that aimed to bring representatives of the government to the Legislative Assembly (AL) to justify the increase in fees for traffic violations, as implemented by the Transport Bureau (DSAT) was yesterday voted down by the members of the plenary – with 14 votes against, 10 votes in favor and 2 abstentions – disappointing several lawmakers that wanted further explanations from the government on the case.

In the debate, lawmaker Ma Chi Seng, against the proposal, noted that although it is true the measures “generated a reaction from society,” in his opinion there are “many others that think that such measures are actually helping to release parking spaces [for general use].”

“I think we should let the measures be implemented and produce results so we can evaluate it at a later stage,” Ma concluded.

Also against the motion was lawmaker Vong Hin Fai, who questioned the legality of such a proposal since the lawmaker had already presented an enquiry to the government that was answered.

Vong also remarked that, since the implementation of the rate hike, there has been a significant decrease in these types of infringements.

On the other hand, Pereira Coutinho queried to understand “the reasons that led the government to raise the fees in this way.” He noted that the government has said “other fees would be raised too,” and wanted the government to discuss them with the legislature and during a public consultation period prior to implementation.

In agreement were also Au Kam San, Ng Kuok Cheong, Kwan Tsui Hang, Ella Lei, Song Pek Kei and Angela Leong, among others, all claiming that the topic deserved to be debated and the government needed to provide an explanation.

The issue has already caused several demonstrations in the streets of the region. RM