I read with dismay about the computer labs fiasco. It defies logic that we can build the tallest building in the world, the much acclaimed airport, and other first class buildings that are the envy of others. Yet, we fail miserably in building simple computer labs for our young students.
We are talking about the future of our children and their safety - school activities should not be hampered because of shoddy workmanship by the contractors concerned.
It is not enough for ministry officials to be sad and angry about the fiasco. Heads must roll because greedy people with no conscience have benefited from the project despite half-baked workmanship.
History has shown that once a scandal dies a natural death, other projects will collapse and the government will again sing the mantra: "We will look into the matter and leave no stone unturned until we nab the culprits."
Haven't we heard enough of the silly song by the ministry officials concerned?
Where were the checks by government agencies involved in this project? Why wasn't JKR, which is supposed to be the guardian of quality and fitness of governments assets, consulted earlier?
Was there misuse of power to enrich cronies by giving plum contracts to inexperienced but well-connected individuals, who then passed the job to down the line?
The guy who got the sub-contract would have had to have to cut corners to make a small profit at the expense of our children's safety and taxpayers' goodwill.
It is easy for the deputy finance minister to say that more funds will be allocated to rectify the mistakes - as if the funds come from his pockets.
If the contract had been handled properly in the first place, with strict checks by the relevant government agencies, more funds could be allocated for other development projects.
I long for the good old days where roads and highways were built to last, when bridges did not collapse, and government properties stood the test of time; and when privatisation was not meant to enrich certain individuals at the expense of the rakyat .
