PRINCELY GIFT FOR THE WRONG REASON

A house is reportedly being built by the government as a 'gift' for former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Badawi at the cost of RM12 million, at a time when Prime Minister Najib had announced that his government will undertake measures to cut excessive spending, and in the knowledge that petroleum revenue that is the nation's lifeline is fast depleting, and where issues relating to the eradication of the nation's hardcore poor still persist.

The issue was raised by an opposition member in parliament recently, and was it not a surprise that even the Deputy Finance Minister was not fully aware as to where the budget for the construction of the house is derived from. RM12 million for a 'gift house' is not cheap, and many would wonder (and certainly I do), what is so deserving that Tun Abdullah should be presented with such a costly house. Is he so poor that he cannot even built a house that is reasonably suitable for him? Does being a former Prime Minister entitles him to such a house at tax payers expenses? And what about the previous Prime Ministers? Were they given such a palatial house upon their retirement? Or will this be a precedence for future retired Prime Ministers? I am puzzled too that the MSM has been eerily silence over this issue, as if RM12 million is only a pittance, and is therefore of no news value.

I do not know if the RM12 million 'gift house is a reflection of the slogan, 'Rakyat didahulukan, Pencapaian diutamakan', or the 'One Malaysia' that is being so widely spoken off these days. I would believe in the slogan if the RM12 million is spent to built homes for the poor, or anything to alleviate the plight of the hardcore poor that is a common sight, even in the city of Kuala Lumpur.

If one were to ask me which of our Prime Ministers deserve a princely gift like a RM12 million home, I would say it is only our first Prime Minister Tengku Abdul Rahman. I do not wish to argue my reasons out here, but to me it is pretty obvious.

Spending huge sums of tax payers money to benefit an individual is to my opinion immoral, and ought to be criticized. I simply cannot understand the moral behind the gift, and why has the decision by the government (or was it the decision of an individual) made in the quite. A decision made in such a manner will only arouse public perception that is bad and hurtful for the government.

Over the last few months, there has been too many negative issues affecting the government, created by individuals/officials linked with the government, that has made the government to be seen in bad light. The 'PKFZ mother of all scandals', 'money laundering' acts by senior state politicians and spouses of reputable personalities, corrupt officers linked to senior politicians, and with one acting like 'little napoleon'.

I think, I am old enough to criticized many in government today, and this also includes politicians. Let me be blunt with all unscrupulous and corrupt individuals/officials of the Malay race who claim themselves to be leaders, that you are answerable for your acts (bad or otherwise) to the people that you lead on earth, and to the Almighty upon death. It will be easy to lie and deny your wrong doing on earth, but there is no escape in the hereafter. Have you all not been told about this, or are you all just plain dumb and ignorant? To you all, the wrath of the Almighty is severe and extreme, and worse still, the Attorney General will not be there to help you. God bless you all.


CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION