The annual Auditor-General’s report often reveals extravagant government spending that becomes a hot topic of discussion. The 2010 report is no exception.
Below are a few examples of extravagance by various ministries and departments according to the AG’s report.
• The National Sports Council purchased 23 horses for RM5.66 million through negotiation without approval from the Finance Ministry. Only five were eligible to compete in the World Endurance Championship 2008, while the remaining 18 horses costing RM3.94 million did not meet the requirements of the Federation Equestre Internationale.
• The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board purchased 1,000 steel magazine racks for RM1.95 million through direct negotiation and without the approval of the Finance Ministry.
• Universiti Pahang Malaysia paid RM477,300 for its nursery plots but all the plants and trees are damaged or dead.
• Mara’s wholly owned subsidiary Giatmara made purchases such as folding chairs for RM500 (market price RM100), Elba oven for RM1,200 (market price RM419) and gas stove for RM200 (market price RM59.90).
• The Malaysia Marine Park Department, under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, among other purchases spent RM56,530 for marine binoculars (market price RM1,940), RM56,530 for Bushnell binoculars (market price RM2,827) and RM11, 845 on an Acer laptop and colour printer (market price RM3,428).
This article appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, October 25, 2011.
No comments:
Post a Comment