Govt told to change lifestyle

A top consumer organisation has turned the tables on the government by advising it to ‘change its lifestyle’ by cutting down on its expenses and wastage.

The Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) today urged government leaders to show leadership by example in curbing the use of official vehicles “as the rakyat has to pay for their travel cost”.

sm mohamed idris“Many of the official government vehicles use engines above 2000cc. To compound the problem, when the prime minister or one of the ministers goes for a function, an entourage often accompanies him or her, thereby increasing the use of vehicles. Is all this really necessary?” said CAP president SM Mohamed Idris.

“There are cases of people frequently leaving their car engines running with the air conditioners on; while they wait or sleep in their cars. This is usually observed with car drivers of very important persons (VIPs). By right, these people should park their cars and switch off the engines.”

Mohamed, whose remarks came in the wake of a hefty 40 per cent increase in fuel price, also said there should be a review on need of government servants traveling overseas.

“The government must cut down on these trips unless it can be shown that these trips are really beneficial or absolutely necessary, and that there is no other alternative.

“Even if an overseas trip is necessary, the number of people accompanying ministers should be severely restricted, and all should fly economy and not business class.”

In addition, the government should also address the problem of ‘over-lighting’ and ‘over-cooling’ of state complexes and offices, and other large official buildings.

“Other wasteful practices such as changes of furnishings and fittings which the government practices on a regular basis, and the procurement of wasteful or over-priced stationary, food, tools and other items should be reviewed. Officials found wasting public funds should be dealt with severely.”

CAP also argued that government seminars, conferences and meetings no longer be held in hotels, a practice which has been adopted by the new DAP-led state government in Penang.

“Expenditure increases, energy consumption goes up and there is also food wastage. Many of these functions could be held in government buildings or public halls, and meals can be catered in moderate quantities at lesser costs.”

Mohamed said that all mega-projects that are not critical or essential should be scrapped and the savings be used for projects that will benefit the public, such as the “improvement of the public transport system”.

“Ideally, the government should have ensured that a fully efficient, accessible and affordable transport system was in place long before we arrived at where we are today. This would especially have eased the burden on the lower-income group as this group is known to spend a sizeable percentage of their meagre income on transport.”

According to CAP, the funds saved following subsidy removals could also be diverted to other essential projects such as low-cost housing, improved healthcare delivery and school facilities.

“There should be a full disclosure of details of government spending where the public can really see and understand how government funds are being used,” said Mohamed.

“Following this, the cooperation between the government and the people can be encouraged - to increase efficient use of resources and to reduce wastage.”

Two years ago, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak committed an infamous faux pas by urging the public to “change their lifestyle” which was frequently lampooned during anti-price hike demonstrations.

Politics 101
Malaysia

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