Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer’s opinion and compiled opinions of others on the subject matter. It does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of WORLD OF BUZZ.
With poverty rates increasing following the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s only fair that the government allocate any available funding they can muster to help the underprivileged and small business owners as much as possible, right?
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case as over a million Ringgit was spent on renovations and new furniture for the offices of two ministers and their deputy ministers.
Based on the written answer by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, during the First Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 14th Parliament session, a total of RM1,073,580 was spent on renovations and new furniture for the offices of the Minister and Deputy Minister at JPM (Sabah & Sarawak Affairs) and the Minister and Deputy Minister in JPM (Parliament & Law).
Photo for illustration purposes only.
This reveal comes after Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh asked the Prime Minister for the details of the renovation work carried out by the ministers and their deputies throughout 2020 and 2021, including the purchases of new furniture and the details in costs.
The breakdown of the costs is as follows:
- Minister and Deputy Minister at JPM (Sabah & Sarawak Affairs): RM145,977 in renovations and RM254,733 in new furniture.
- Minister in JPM (Parliament & Law): RM380,000 in renovations and RM90,000 in new furniture.
- Deputy Minister in JPM (Parliament & Law): RM192,870 in renovations and RM10,000 in new furniture.
The overall cost totals RM1,073,580.
Photo for illustration purposes only.
The cost and even the need for renovations and new furniture came as a shock to Malaysians considering that everyone, including ministers, has been working from home throughout the pandemic, while the country suffers from economic downfall.
The money could have easily gone towards helping underprivileged students or empowering the indigenous community and the many more out there who are suffering to feed their children and keep a roof above their heads.
Such renovations and new furniture does not justify the expenditure and it’s become abundantly clear that our government and authorities need to do better when it comes to allocation and use of funding.
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comment section.
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