KSN: If you can only afford a Xiaomi phone, don't try to buy an iPhone

CHIEF Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar urged civil servants to live within their means and not to impress others.

He said many civil servants end up going bankrupt because they live way beyond their means.

"Some civil servants deal with millions of ringgit as part of their daily duties, but sadly can't even handle their own finances and are forced to take loans.

"We must learn to live within our means ... if we can only afford a Xiaomi phone, don't try to buy an iPhone.

"There are many civil servants who love living lavishly and though they can only afford a Myvi, they want to buy a Vios," he said during a Ramadan programme in Pekan.

Recently, director-general of the Malaysian Department of Insolvency (MDI), Datuk M Bakri Abd Majid said youngsters, especially fresh graduates entering the workforce, should be barred from getting credit cards as these are among reasons why many get entangled in serious financial problems.

He said that young people, especially those who have just completed their higher education, should not be allowed to have credit cards because they not only lack strong financial resources but also have problems with proper financial management.

"There are those earning RM2,000 a month who already own a credit card. What is the necessity for fresh graduates to have one?

"Credit cards should be used by those with stable jobs, for instance, if they need to travel abroad for work. Once they return, they should settle the payment immediately. A credit card is meant for convenience, not for flaunting a luxurious lifestyle," he said. – March 9, 2025