Tourism Minister Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz has reiterated that Pakatan Rakyat-led states will not be treated as stepchildren, as he announced the revival of the bipartisan tourism committee in every state.
At a rare joint press conference with Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Nazri (left) said the tourism performance of every state, including those under Pakatan, will be important in achieving the national target in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2014.
"I will not turn Kelantan, Penang and Selangor into stepchildren ... How can I succeed if I exclude them? I cannot achieve my target. If they succeed, I succeed, and I will also get the name," he candidly told journalists at the Parliament lobby this afternoon.
Nazri said the loose committee, which was dissolved under then Tourism Minister Azalina Othman, would be revived to coordinate tourism programmes by federal and state agencies.
"This body will channel federal allocations to tourism projects requested by the state government. For example, Penang hasn’t enough funds and has requested for federal allocation for cable cars,” he said.
“If I were to agree to the allocation, it would be channelled through this body.”
At a rare joint press conference with Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Nazri (left) said the tourism performance of every state, including those under Pakatan, will be important in achieving the national target in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2014."I will not turn Kelantan, Penang and Selangor into stepchildren ... How can I succeed if I exclude them? I cannot achieve my target. If they succeed, I succeed, and I will also get the name," he candidly told journalists at the Parliament lobby this afternoon.
Nazri said the loose committee, which was dissolved under then Tourism Minister Azalina Othman, would be revived to coordinate tourism programmes by federal and state agencies.
"This body will channel federal allocations to tourism projects requested by the state government. For example, Penang hasn’t enough funds and has requested for federal allocation for cable cars,” he said.
“If I were to agree to the allocation, it would be channelled through this body.”
'Anyone can lead committee'
Nazri said the committee in the respective states can be led by anyone.
"It will be bipartisan. I’ve already got the name (of the person) for the Tourism Penang committee. I have suggested (PKR's former Balik Pulau MP) Yusmadi Yusof to be made chairperson.
"I will speak to the chief executives so that they (state government) and I are comfortable with whoever is appointed.”
He said the committee will comprise officers of all departments, whether state or federal, that have a connection with tourism, including the Forestry Department.
Nazri said the committees are expected to be formed after Hari Raya (in early August) and that emoluments for the body will be borne by the federal government.
He added that the committee will not be a statutory body as that would take too long to set up.
Lim praised Nazri for his efforts, saying: "I am supportive of this and it is a good start. I thank the minister for showing his concern as this is of national interest.
"(When) promoting tourism anywhere in Malaysia, the revenue goes to Malaysia and the taxes go to the federal government.”
Nazri said the committee in the respective states can be led by anyone.
"It will be bipartisan. I’ve already got the name (of the person) for the Tourism Penang committee. I have suggested (PKR's former Balik Pulau MP) Yusmadi Yusof to be made chairperson.
"I will speak to the chief executives so that they (state government) and I are comfortable with whoever is appointed.”
He said the committee will comprise officers of all departments, whether state or federal, that have a connection with tourism, including the Forestry Department.
Nazri said the committees are expected to be formed after Hari Raya (in early August) and that emoluments for the body will be borne by the federal government.
He added that the committee will not be a statutory body as that would take too long to set up.
Lim praised Nazri for his efforts, saying: "I am supportive of this and it is a good start. I thank the minister for showing his concern as this is of national interest.
"(When) promoting tourism anywhere in Malaysia, the revenue goes to Malaysia and the taxes go to the federal government.”
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