IT is timely that the Second Finance Minister brought up the issue of lavish dinners and functions organised by government departments and government-linked agencies.
His statement reflects what is going on. The amount of money used for these functions could, and should, be channelled to more deserving causes.
I don’t understand why RM10,000 has to be spent to print souvenir programmes when it can be done for a lot less using photocopy machines. Most of the time these books are left behind after a function, and it is a waste of taxpayers' money.
I also know of departments holding courses far away from their bases. There have been cases of teachers being asked to go to another state for a simple briefing that could have been over in half a day but was dragged on for two days.
Then there was this English course held in Langkawi for teachers from a certain district in Perak. The reason was that there was still enough allocation and the Langkawi trip was to finish off the remaining allocation.
Why can’t the relevant authorities carry forward unused allocations to the next year? Also, why spend tonnes of money to decorate a hall with fresh flowers which won’t even last two days. Use artificial flowers that can be recycled for other functions.
Also, some departments insist on staff members wearing specially-designed batik for certain functions, and these cost a bomb. Just wear normal official attire.
The call by Tan Sri Mohammad Nor Yakcob is timely and all concerned should heed his advice if the Government is have it’s credibility restored, slowly but surely.
JAYARAJ KGS,
Sitiawan, Perak.
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