Welcoming the meeting between Federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC) with our Premier of Sarawak

Recently during the press conference held at Hikmah Exchange Exhibition Centre (HEEC) in Kuching, I have shared with our media friends on the forthcoming meeting by the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) with our Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg which among others to discuss the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme issue.

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In welcoming this latest development of the MM2H issue, among the matters to be discussed is the delegation of authority and we just want to know what this delegation of authority is about. Another matter of our interest if whether it include the authority for Sarawak to issue licences to the agencies that will manage the MM2H programme.

I have mentioned that if they want to delegate the authority, it should be done it fully. Don’t give with one hand and take away with the other. We don’t like that. I have opined that consultation with the Sabah and Sarawak governments should have preceded MOTAC's circular dated on May 27 which had halted MM2H programme applications in both states.

I have also stressed that neither Sabah nor Sarawak were consulted about suspending applications...it was bulldozed through, it became a matter under the federal list, and that is why we are not too happy. Even though we are not too happy, we know tourism is something that is for us to share.

It is something for the federal government, because any tourists that come in, it will benefit Malaysia, it will benefit the states.That is why we agreed to work together, not for MOTAC to dictate the state, saying this and that, and then suddenly release the circular on May 27. However, I am optimistic the “little hiccup” on the MM2H issue will be settled soon.