Who Cares For That Cup Of Tea?

Who Cares For That Cup Of Tea?
11 June, 2008

Former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the Central Bank has lost RM30 billion in foreign exchange trading in the 1990s. Who was the manipulator behind it?

By LIM MUN FAH/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily

It was said that Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad has instructed his ministry to cut down refreshments for meetings and not to give him souvenirs in official functions in order to save money.

It is commendable as Shahrir showed a good example of thrift. However, the officialdom nowadays wastes far more than refreshments and souvenirs.

As the people are furious about the massive price hikes, it is hard for them to tolerate various extravagances and mistakes of the government. For example:

• Last year, Petronas gained a total pre-tax profit of RM86.8 billion and so far, it has earned about RM600 billion. As the surge of international oil prices, it's profits will as well substantially grow. But the government has reduced fuel subsidies by a wide margin, turning Malaysia into one of the world's most expensive oil price oil-producing countries. It makes the people wonder where the huge profit of Petronas has gone?
• Former Work Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said in the Parliament last year that the government has compensated a total of RM38.5 billion to 20 highway companies. Also, as the government has stopped building the Scenic Bridge in Johor, it has to compensate RM300 million construction cost to the bridge contractor. Isn't the spending of such huge amount a waste?
• Former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the Central Bank has lost RM30 billion in foreign exchange trading in the 1990s. Who was the manipulator behind it?
• Malaysia Airlines was said to have suffered losses every year. But why to spend RM1.55 million to buy three paintings to decorate its chairman's office? And why to spend RM7,525 per day to recruit a foreign senior general manager?
• Why did Proton Holdings buy a 57.75% stake in MV Agusta for €70 million but sold it at €1 (RM4.50) a year later, causing Proton to lose €75.99 million (RM 348 million)?

Nothing is wrong or bad with Shahrir's move to cancel refreshments and souvenirs but the problem is, how much money could be saved by this? How could this contribute to the national treasury?

Who cares for that cup of tea? It is more important to save huge amounts instead of tiny expenses!