Parliament adds MOP7m to its budget this year

The parliament passed an internal bill Tuesday to add MOP7 million of spending to its budget this year, pushing the budget as high as MOP205.6 million.

The additional budget is required for salaries, business trips and maintenance for the exterior and interior of the parliament building.

Introducing the bill, the parliament’s Executive Council president, Angela Leong, said that more trips will take place this year as society returns to normal. It is also expected that the number of plenary and committee meetings in the second half of the year will increase compared to last year. In addition, a new consultant was hired earlier this year, requiring additional funds for salaries and remuneration.

With this amendment, personnel costs have increased by MOP2.5 million (1.48%) and operational costs by MOP4.9 million or 20.03%.

Before this, the parliament’s plenary also passed the Unitary Police Service Amendment Bill for its first reading. The major change is that the Financial Intelligence Office (GIF) will be acquired by the Unitary Police Service (SPU) if the bill becomes law.

Lawmakers Nick Lei and Ron Lam asked government representatives about the legal status of the GIF, the transition of its team, as well as the improvement in efficiency after the merger of the GIF.

Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak responded by explaining that the status of the acquired office will not change, although the government had contemplated lowering its status. Due to international requirements, the office must retain its independence and sufficient resources. As a result, its legal status will remain after “thorough discussions at the Executive Council,” Wong confirmed. All 40 employees will be transferred to the SPU after the acquisition.

Wong added that the acquisition will improve mutual support between the office and police.

A copy of the bill was emailed to the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, which refrained from making comment, as it normally only provides opinions on promulgated laws or regulations.