REVENUE FROM ROAD TAX AND ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION FEES (Request for specific use)

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the heavy increases in road tax and Additional Registration Fees, the revenue earned will be used for better maintenance of existing roads and construction of more new and efficient roads and road transport systems.

Mr Hon Sui Sen: Sir, the Member for Kampong Kembangan should be aware of the general policy that all Government revenues are paid into the Consolidated Fund, and that drawings from such Fund are then made for all Government expenditures. This means also that no particular revenue or portion of the Consolidated Fund is earmarked for specific expenditures.

The answer to the Member's question, therefore, is in the negative. I am not conscious, however, of any lack of attention by the Public Works Department to the efficient maintenance of existing roads and the construction of more new and efficient roads and road transport systems. All requests for financing such works have been and will be given due consideration.