MOSTI Outlines Three Main Strategies For Fom, Empowering MPs As Ministry Agents

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Members of parliament appointed to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (MOSTI) Friends of Ministry (FOM) will be directly involved in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) culture-building programmes in their respective constituencies.

In a statement, the ministry said this is among three strategies outlined for the core implementation of the entity, driven by the MADANI Government Backbenchers Club, aimed at empowering backbench MPs as ministry agents to explain government policies more effectively to the people.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, who met with the FOM today, said the initiative would help strengthen the ministry’s grassroots communication, in addition to contributing to policy discussions that can benefit the people.

“With the strong support of these MPs, the science, technology and innovation agenda can be delivered more effectively to all segments of society,” he said.

The FOM comprise Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas), Vivian Wong Shir Yee (PH-Sandakan), Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub), Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timor), Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong), Chow Kon Yeow (PH-Batu Kawan) and Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar).

Others are Rodziah Ismail (PKR-Ampang), Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (PKR-Sungai Petani), Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong), Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam), Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Warisan-Kota Belud) and Larry Soon (PBM-Julau).

Apart from participation in MOSTI’s flagship programmes such as STI 100³ and STI MADANI, MOSTI said other strategies include regular briefings during parliamentary sittings on its policies, legislation and challenges.

This covers amendments to the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) 2024-2030, the drafting of the STI Bill and amendments to the Atomic Energy Bill.

Another strategy involves appointing the FOM as a focal MP for a specific agency under MOSTI.

-- BERNAMA