VOXPOP 'The AG's report reminds me of the song 'It's not unusual' by Tom Jones. As long as the corrupt Umno remains in power, there will be no end.'

RM214mil army camp incomplete, but falling apart

vox populi small thumbnail Dark Knight: Over the last decade and some, the auditor-general has raised numerous issues of malpractices in the procurement of goods and services, the failure to follow guidelines and SOPs (standard operating procedures), the skewed award of tenders, the shoddy work of contractors and the ballooning costs of variation orders and re-tendered works.

Yet, the government of the day had not really heeded the reports, nor did it go after the culprits. The malpractices of the past have been going on unchecked with even more gusto.

Such apathy by the government gives rise to suspicions of corruption and crony-capitalism being condoned at the highest levels of power. Leakages in the procurement system do not bode well for the economy.

While subsidies for the poor are being scaled down progressively, wastages and corrupt practices are on the rise.

Indeed, the recent shadow budget by the opposition has identified leakages as a ‘source' of revenue to maintain subsidies, reduce the national deficit and finance public-sector expenditures.

Alan Goh: The Muara Tuang Army camp costing Malaysian taxpayers RM214 million has not been completed and now falling apart, and the Kuching jail built at a cost of RM221 million is eight years overdue with cost over-run of RM56 million.

With Malaysia's current federal debt of RM450 billion and a bloated 1.2 million civil servants, we are joining Greece sooner than expected.

Jimmy Ng: Guess what? I did not feel the slightest tinge of surprise when I read this piece of news.

It must be either that nothing in Bolehland these days can ever surprise me anymore as there is simply just too many of these cases of corruption being uncovered or that I am already feeling ‘numb' from repeatedly hearing about them.

Mahindar Singh: I am even more convinced that the budget proposed by Pakatan Rakyat is achievable if we cut the waste of the BN government. The only way this is going to happen is having the Pakatan in Putrajaya.

Disbeliever: The auditor-general will continue to highlight each year all the shortcomings but all the recommendations will fall on deaf ears. Why? Because everything is stamped ‘no further action'.

Take action and immediately sack those responsible! This will guarantee that the following year, there will be a marked improvement in the spending of government money, which actually belongs to the taxpayers.

Joe Lee: Is this what they mean by ‘People First, Performance Now'? It seems that it's more like ‘People Last, Corruption Now'.

Astraltraveller: This reminds me of the song 'It's not unusual' by Tom Jones. As long as the corrupt Umno-BN remains in power, there will be no end to these occurrences. The only choice left is to kick the rogues out.

Anonymous_4118: How many orphans can be fed with the money? How many students can be educated? How many homes can be built for the needy? It's so sad this is happening to our country.

PAS Youth protests Elton John show

Malulah: Here we go again! PAS, can you please think twice before opening your big mouth and empty brains.

I'm a Muslim and we live in a multi-racial society. Nobody is putting a gun to my head to attend this concert. Can you please stop generalising every issue and giving Islam a bad name.

Grow up, you can be progressive without sacrificing the faith. Stop making one stupid statement after another.

Wira: PAS, I have no objection if you call for the ban of Muslims from enjoying Elton John's show just as Muslims are banned from the casino. You should not encroach on what is deemed not objectionable by others.

David Dass: Elton John is an incredibly talented artist. His sexual orientation is a matter between him and God. Homosexuals and lesbians exist in the real world and whilst some may have difficulties with their presence, it is not possible to rehabilitate them or exterminate them or simply wish them away.

PAS' attitude could prove extremely awkward for the country given the significant presence of gays in governments throughout the world. It is time for PAS to re-examine some of its policies and practices.

I am not suggesting acceptance or condoning of gay practices but simply leaving the judgement of such practices to God. We can see what damage can be inflicted on those accused of such practices, their families and the whole nation can suffer when a prosecution takes place.

We should learn from our own experience. And let us enjoy a live performance of the singing talent of Elton John. The world cried when he sang the adapted version of 'Goodbye Norma Jean' at Princess Diana's funeral service.

MatrixLYN: PAS should grow up if they want other communities to accept them. Always harping on the same issue year in, year out, regarding concerts.

I am no fan of Elton John and I don't agree to homosexuality either. But as long as he is not performing a sex act on stage, it's none of anyone's business what he does in his private life.

PAS should spend time focus on real issues instead of becoming another Umno, which is always focused on sex, sex, sex, nothing but sex!

DannyLoHH: Sometimes, I wonder if PAS understands the concept of tolerance. They could state their stand regarding homosexuality, that their beliefs forbid Muslims brethren against indulging in hedonism (or what they perceived to be hedonism).

These are their rights and no one will have an issue with it. But to go the extra mile of calling the government to ban such and such a concert shows that they are a bunch of intolerant bigots, or at the minimum - as people with silly prejudices.

If they don't like it, they have the right to say it out and to educate their brethren about it. They certainly have no right to demand the banning of something that is perfectly legal.

 

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