KUALA LUMPUR – The much-criticised 100-Day Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia programme in early December cost taxpayers RM13.696 million for four days, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad (Mersing-Bersatu).
In a parliamentary reply dated March 7, he said the money was used for the campaign’s implementation, promotion, publicity, exhibition cost, and venue setup.
He added that it is also used to pay for the Keluarga Malaysia capsule, photographers, videographers, management costs, accommodation, management fee, and services such as cleaning, internet service, and so on.
The reply came after a question submitted by Ong Kian Ming (Bangi-PH) who wanted to know details of the event that was held from December 9 to 12 as well as what the money was used for.
The event at the KL Convention Centre drew public criticism after it breached several health standard operating procedures, especially the mass gathering at police and Road Transport Department summons discount counters.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the counters had to close and event organisers were fined RM1,000 for failing to ensure physical distancing and causing congestion in the event hall.
Opposition MPs also took the opportunity to lambast the government after organisers of a government event promoted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was fined just RM1,000 for flouting Covid-19 SOPs.
At the same time, Ismail Sabri drew flak for awarding 90% marks to his cabinet for its overall performance in the first 100 days of his administration.
The prime minister had said it is not impossible to achieve full marks for the key performance indicators if the cabinet continues to work closely with civil servants to give the best and most effective service it has to Keluarga Malaysia.
The high score did not sit well with economists and observers as it was amid spiralling prices of basic goods, questionable political appointments into the government, failure to resolve core issues, and the introduction of baffling policies. – The Vibes, March 15, 2022
