Time and time again, Malaysians have gotten outraged over taxpayer money being spent on things that do not benefit the people. Among these things include the renovations and upgrading palaces and even the Prime Minister’s official residence.
Now, Malaysians are once again shocked to find out that a significant sum of money is being spent on the renovation and upgrading process of a palace.
The Ekonomi Rakyat Twitter page recently shared how a local company has been given a tender worth a whopping RM315.9 MILLION to renovate and upgrade Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan, Pahang, from the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR).
They wrote, “Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd (AZRB) through its subsidiary, Ahmad Zaki Sdn Bhd (AZSB) received a letter of appointment (LOA) from JKR for the project of upgrading and renovating Istana Abu Bakar, Pahang, worth Rm315.9 million.”
“The contract period is for 30 months from April 1, 2024 (Monday).”
This hit a nerve with regular folks as they believe that the money can be spent doing things to help the community, especially through improving our medical, public transport and educational infrastructure.
“Doctors’ contracts are not getting renewed even though hospitals lack manpower. But upgrading a palace for hundred of millions is possible.”
“The RM315 million can be used to fix our infrastructure for public transportation and even build more hospitals. But, man, this is disappointing.”
“The RM315 million can build 5 schools.”
“Facilities in hospitals are not enough. There’s always no money when they want to pay for expertise in this country. But, there is money to be wasteful on the renovations of a palace, when the people are not allowed to use that money?”
It’s hard to deny that there are many important aspects that require funding, especially to build proper roads and schools for children in Sabah and Sarawak.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: M’sians Outraged to Find That Ministry of Works is Paying RM519 MILLION to Maintain Istana Negara