AL accepts proposal to debate spending for GP Museum

The Legislative Assembly (AL) has accepted a proposal submitted by legislator Ng Kuok Cheong to stage a debate so that the government can answer questions in regards to the proposed budget for renovating the Grand Prix Museum (GP Museum), Portuguese-language TDM Radio reported.
In a previous enquiry, Mr. Ng stated that the proposed MOP300 million (US$37.5 million) budget for the renovation works, slated for completion by November 2018, had created “many suspicions among the public” and that there was enough public interest in the topic to warrant it being debated in the AL.
The legislator wants the government to answer questions regarding what works and functions involved in the museum refurbishment would justify the proposed amount; what studies were conducted to predict the economic viability of the project; and what mechanisms will be put in place to avoid overspending.
The budget was announced earlier in the month by the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, who stated that the proposed budget would be used only “as a reference”.
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis Tam Chon Weng stated that the proposed budget was proposed by architects and engineers. The Secretary added that the budget would be used for developing new elements across the five floors of the Tourism Activities Centre, such as a car exhibition area, simulation games, a cinema and a wax museum. Meanwhile the Wine Museum would also have to be relocated.